By JASON ADAMS
A fairytale was completed on Thursday night, 19 May, when Narralee staved off her rivals to take out the group one Sapphire Crown.
Narralee exploded out of box two to lead clearly from the wide running Shared Equity and favourite Folio Bale.
As the trio battled for position down the back straight, Narralee held her head. Folio Bale threatened danger turning for home but Narralee held on to win by a head in 29.47.
Trainer Steve Creighton was ecstatic post-race in what was his first group one win.
“I don’t know what to say – I’m still in shock.”
Narralee was struck down by injury last July and has recovered with the help of one of greyhound racing’s most respected trainers.
“We then took her to Traralgon and she won in what was her first look at the track.
“I was impressed by that run so I thought ‘right, we’ll nominate her for the Sapphire Crown’.
“I said to the owner (Linda Gray), win lose or draw we’re going to have a go at it.”
Linda Gray and her sons Liam and Jordan were on hand to celebrate the win.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet – when I wake up in the morning I’ll probably think I’m dreaming,” said Gray.
“It’s just not something you think is going to happen – we’re just ordinary people and you never think something like this could happen to people like us.”
The $100,000 first prize has given Gray the opportunity to fulfil a dream.
“I can now buy myself a brand new car – it’s always been a dream of mine.”
Gray, a single mum and part-time cleaner, plans to continue celebrations at her local RSL.
