Bill Buzzing After Greek Bombshell's Record Win

GUNNEDAH trainer Bill Marmara's decision to build a tenth kennel to accommodate Greek Bombshell is paying dividends after she broke her own track record at Ladbrokes Gardens on Friday.

Recording a flying 15.28 to lower the Ladbrokes Gardens 272m time-standard on June 19, the daughter of El Grand Senor was at it again on Friday, posting a mesmerising 15.20 to win by 7 ½ lengths.

"I've been training for 35 years and she's the first track record holder I've had; they're not easy to come by," said Marmara.

"Would you believe I've had her since April and I've never trialled her. I've just raced her and worked her up my straight. That's all she needs. She's not a problem in the world at home."

And as Marmara explains, how the veteran conditioner landed on the training responsibilities of Greek Bombshell was as much good luck as it was good fortune.

"She was in at The Gardens on a Friday back in April when Troy Donaldson had her," Marmara said.

"Troy rang me the day before the race and told me he was sending her up to me after the run but I told him I only had nine kennels and they were full so I couldn't take her.

"She won that day at The Gardens and on the Saturday morning Troy rang me back and said the bitch was on her way up to me.

"So I had to go out and build a tenth kennel for her. And I'm bloody glad I did!"

Unbeaten in four Ladbrokes Gardens appearances, Greek Bombshell has won 10 of her 24 appearances overall, including a blinding 18.52 Richmond maiden run over 330m last September.

Owned by Louis Marie, the fawn flyer hails from the hugely successful El Grand Senor x Dee Jay's Sniper litter, responsible for 51 race wins and counting at a strike-rate of 30 percent.

"I've never met Louis, just spoken to him on the phone but he's a lovely fella to deal with," Marmara said.

"I've got no real plans for her at the moment; I'm just happy enough to potter around and see where we go. A few people have said to me I should take her to Wenty for a 280m race but it's a long way from Gunnedah to Sydney with just one dog.

“Friday was the first time I've actually backed her. And after the race finished I was running around to catch her and said to someone was that the two that won? And they replied no it was your bitch (box seven)!”

Enjoying a purple patch of form, Greek Bombshell's sharp rise through the ranks couldn't have come at a more opportune time for Marmara, following the retirement of his grand bitch Evie's Best last December.

"She was a great little chaser – she won 44 races for me," Marmara said.

"She's in pup to Aston Dee Bee and due next month so there's plenty here to look forward to.

"But I've been around long enough to know things can change pretty quickly so when things are going good you have to make sure you enjoy it!"