‘Stella' Origin Victory An Ideal Birthday Gift

GREG Stella reckons he has slipped into the “veteran” age group as a trainer after turning 60 on Wednesday, but he had a young man's step in his walk after winning the State Of Origin Sprint (520m) at Albion Park on Thursday night with Magistrate.

The son of Fernando Bale-Inspired Hope burst through along the rails to run down early leader Hello Mike to win the Origin in 29.96 and land the winner's cheque of $100,000.

Wyandra All Class was third.

“Donna Darcy (Magistrate's owner) was absolutely over the moon, but I was too,” said Greg.

“It was a wonderful, but belated 60th birthday present.”

And it swept Magistrate's career to 28 starts for 16 wins and eight placings pocketing $222,000 in stakes.

We're off to a decider in the Origin Greyhound Series at @Brisgreys!

Magistrate utilises his Box 1 advantage to full effect and beats home fellow Queenslander Hello Mike to level the series 1-1 ?@RaceQLD pic.twitter.com/mAUuxhD62G

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 15, 2023

Stella has been in greyhound racing all his life, his dad Joe a trainer and brother Jeff a bookmaker.

“I can remember back to when the Origin was worth $10,000,” said Greg.

While Magistrate added to his victories in the 431m and 520m Ipswich Auction series, Greg rates him a “nice dog” which has always shown pace but has got stronger with more racing.

“I thought he was going to be right in the finish of the Flying Amy last week but he copped a bit of interference and finished third,” said Greg.

“He came right into the Origin when he drew the rails.

“We will now go on to the Brisbane Cup … it is an obvious target.”

While Magistrate's victory was the highlight, Greg could not get over the performance of Kelsey Bale to win a Brisbane Cup Prelude in 29.66 coming from last early.

“She was privately clocked to run her final section in 12.26 and that is the best I have ever seen,” said Greg a long-time form student.