Irish eyes smile at Canidrome
THE script could not have been written any better for the featured Waterford Crystal final at the Macau Canidrome's big St Patrick's Night bash on Saturday.
In attendance was the Irish Minister of the Environment, Michael Smith, to make the presentation, and up popped Gold City to beat Coleraine Copper by a length in the 490-yard dash.
Australian trainer Ron Black lent a antipodean twang to the presentation proceedings but it was Gold City who struck a worthy blow. The smart performer is an Irish import - and their status has been under some threat recently at the track.
Australian dogs are back in vogue but Gold City, with a sparkling run, showed that canine stars from the Emerald Isle can do the business.
The annual high profile occasion at the track was a whopping success with more than over 300 invited guests in attendance.
And the track gained another admirer in Irish politician Smith who complimented chief executive Danny Osmund and tracks manager Brian Murphy, who also hails from Ireland.
Canidrome hero Mr Boo narrowly failed to notch his 52nd career win on the track when he finished second to Luvya Patrece in the 525-yard final.
Mr Boo exploded on to the scene in the final 30 metres but the distance is just short of what he really requires and he was a gallant loser.
Carlsberg publicity supremo Derek Currie was on course to present the trophy to the winner of the 595-yard final - My Hero - and also a special trophy to last year's champion trainer, Lam Yuen-sin.
