Million Dollar Chase Glory For McInerney

VICTORIAN raider McInerney has edged out Zipping Kyrgios in a thrilling finale to the TAB Million Dollar Chase (520m) at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.

Going into the $1m-to-the-winner decider as the only interstate runner in the field, McInerney, trained by Brendan Pursell, used box one to perfection to annex the world's richest greyhound race in a tussle for the ages.

As expected the event was led early by He's On Fire before McInerney and Zipping Kyrgios separated from their opposition to fight out an epic finish with the barest of margins separating the first two across the line.

Post race Blake Pursell, son of trainer Brendan, was full of admiration for their new million dollar greyhound.

"I'm lost for words"

Blake Pursell handled McInerney for his father Brendan tonight in the TAB #MDC – & they became the first interstate raiders to win the race… we don't quite think it's sunk in that he's won $1 million!

Congratulations McInerney, the new million-dollar-dog! pic.twitter.com/D46D8O1M9V

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) September 24, 2022

"It's quite emotional to be honest," Blake said post race.

"He's a mighty greyhound that gives his all week in week out and he deserves a big race like this.

"His owner Noel Mugavin has had an emotional few weeks for varying reasons so to be able to come here and get the job done like we have tonight is just so satisfying.

"Really hard to put into words to be honest."

Just a head separated McInerney and Zipping Kyrgios on the line with the winner stopping the clock in a sizzling 29.50.

He's On Fire stuck on gallantly for third while rank outsider Agland Luai, trained by 19-year-old Jay Opetaia, ran the race of his brief career to finish fourth.

Saturday night's victory elevated McInerney's career stake earnings to $1.1m, his 21 victories before his Million Dollar Chase triumph amassing $109,000 in prizemoney.

Meanwhile, earlier on Saturday night, Super Estrella solidified her standing as Australia's premier stayer with a dashing all the way victory in the Sydney Cup.

The David Smith-trained daughter of Fernando Bale was simply awesome in the $100,000-to-the-winner contest, defeating outsider Ariarne Bale in comfortable fashion.

In the Young Star Classic Final, Zipping Orlando made it eight wins from eight appearances with yet another dynamite victory for trainers John and Minnie Finn.