Photo Man's Grand Career Comes To A Close

GROUP 1 Topgun hero Photo Man has been retired to the breeding barn following a truly remarkable racing career.

It was over a few beers on Thursday night that co-trainers Gavin Clifton and cousin Dave McKenzie made the ultimate decision to call time on the career of their once-in-a-lifetime chaser.

"It's been an absolutely incredible ride, nothing lasts forever and we decided it was the right time," Clifton said.

READ ABOUT PHOTO MAN'S WONDERFUL CAREER

"In one way it's sad we won't see him at the races again but it's also exciting at the same time to embark on his stud career.

"He's given us so many lifelong memories and both Dave and I are just immensely proud to have seen what he's achieved.

‘Man', what a surprise! ?

PHOTO MAN seized the initiative early and was never headed in the $233,250 Group 1 @sportsbetcomau #Topgun at @MelbourneGreys.

He is a dream chaser for Gavin Clifton. pic.twitter.com/OPy9Ah83XF

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) November 5, 2022

“You dream of one day getting a dog like him, he's a very special animal in every way.”

Photo Man, a son of Aston Dee Bee and Amlin Mystique, retires as the winner at 13 of his 41 starts with a further 16 placings for $422,020 in prize money, racing almost exclusively in group race company.

He remarkably won in four different states and five individual city tracks, his crowning glory victory in last year's Group 1 Topgun at The Meadows.

But his feature triumphs didn't stop there, defeating a crack field to annex the Group 2 Flying Amy Classic in Brisbane, winning the Launching Pad Consolation while also finishing a gallant third in both the Group 1 Brisbane and Adelaide Cups.

"The Topgun – being a group 1 – was our biggest thrill," Clifton said.

"We were pretty disappointed he didn't make the field to start with but to then secure a spot – draw box eight – and see him at the top of his game is why you put in all the hard yards.

"It was just a very satisfying night for him to win that deserved group 1.

"And qualifying for the Million Dollar Chase Final last year was another really special moment – what a night that was."

To fully appreciate the Photo Man story you need to trace back to early 2020 when Clifton frequented Gerrie Snyders' property to get some muzzles fixed, as he'd do from time to time.

? Group 1 Gavin ?

Gavin Clifton went through a gamut of emotions with @SmithCorey15 after PHOTO MAN claimed the $233,250 Group 1 @sportsbetcomau #Topgun at @MelbourneGreys.

You can watch the Dream Chasers Festival on @Racing.#GreyhoundRacing #DreamChasers pic.twitter.com/gmxyE7NKzy

— Greyhound Racing Victoria (@GRV_News) November 7, 2022

"Gerrie had this litter there and we were at him to buy a few and initially he wasn't keen," Clifton recalled.

"But eventually we bought two pups and we're very thankful to Gerrie for that – he's been the dog's biggest supporter right the way through.

"I'll never forget the first time I took him to Sandown for a slip as a really young pup. We'd rarely have one break 14 and at his first go he went 13.19 and then broke the 13 next time.

"We headed home half shaking thinking what on earth have we got here?"

While Photo Man won't get the fairytale sendoff he deserves following a slight hock injury at his final race start last month, Clifton says the decision to call time was the right one.

2022 G2 @tabcomau Flying Amy Classic 520m

1st: Photo Man (1) – 29.77
2nd: Amron Boy (5)
3rd: Black Magic Rose (3)#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @tabcomau @SkyRacingAU @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @SEN_track pic.twitter.com/IEKNrE9Y9U

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) June 16, 2022

"He's done everything and more that we could have asked for him," he said.

“He's come back from injury and illnesses and never lost that desire and would give you everything he's got each and every time.

"This morning he looked at me as to say I'm feeling good dad what have we got on today and instead of getting in the car he got a big cuddle and back to his bed.

"He's up and running now at stud and with his race record, temperament and being a son of Aston Dee Bee he's got plenty going for him.

"We've already got a litter out of him so he's well on his way."