THE track record holder returned to Gunnedah for one last title defence on the grass on Saturday.
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Yo Cool Maxie led all the way and blitzed the field in the Tara Greyhound Equipment Last on the Grass 347m final.
The Scooby Six syndicate- owned runner set a blistering course record just before the New Year of 19.04 seconds.
Although he did not emulate that time on Saturday, running a 19.55, it was still enough to beat second- placed Cody’s Luck by three lengths, with Kiowa Tricks running third.
The Barry and Ros Evans- trained blue dog is edging towards retirement after a very successful career which has netted earnings of just under $50,000.
“We bred, reared, and broke him at Moonbi, and he is a very special dog to us,” Ros said.
“The grass was a bit long today for another record but it was a good run.”
The star dog has spent most of his time on the bigger TAB tracks in the Hunter and Sydney, but is nearing retirement.
The four-year-old has won his last five in a row, bringing his career wins to 24 from 86 starts.
He has also collected 10 seconds and 15 thirds, giving the sprinter a win percentage of 27, and a place percentage of 58.
“We are not sure where we will take him next,” Evans said.
“He is getting towards the end of his career now and we are taking it one week at a time.
“He has been a great runner for us and is very special to the family.”
Yo Cool Maxie has a life of luxury waiting for him when he retires.
The dog will become the Evans’ family pet.
“He just has a lovely personality and is a lovely dog to have around,” Evans said.
“We don’t normally ever keep the dogs once they retire but he is special.”
Yo Cool Maxie will hold the track record forever at Gunnedah now as the Saturday meeting was the final one on the grass surface.
The track is being converted to sand in the next few weeks, with racing set to resume on the new track on February 22.