Arcee Phoenix, bred by Finley butcher Ashley Haynes and Chris Shaw, led from pillar to post in the $500,000 Inter Dominion Trotters grand final to become an equine millionaire.
Haynes still retains ownership shares in the superstar trotter and was at Brisbane’s Albion Park on Saturday night to get one of his biggest thrills in his lengthy time in the sport.
The six-year-old gelded son of Trixton went into the race with career prize money earnings of $746 280 and with the $270 000cheque for Saturday night’s win took that total over $1 million.
Victorian trainer driver of Arcee Phoenix Chris Svanosio utilised the gelding’s barrier one draw to lead throughout the challenging 3157m marathon trip and Arcee Phoenix drew clear of his rivals in the concluding stages to beat the New Zealanders Bet N Win and Oscar Bonavena.
Although he had not won any of his two heats, punters still warmed to Arcee Phoenix chances because of his favourable barrier draw, and he started a $2.60 favourite.
The win was the 17th in his 53 race career to date, which have also produced 16 minor placings.
It is the second $500 000 race Arcee Phoenix has won this year.
In March, he won a slot race in New Zealand worth the same prize money.
At six years of age Arcee Phoenix could still have his best race days ahead of him, so his journey as now Australia’s premier trotter looks far from over.
8°C