It was a farewell fit for a king. Queensland warrior Avonnova finished his harness racing career in the best possible manner by winning the Gr.2 $50,000 Flags of All Nations Gold Coast Cup at Albion Park tonight (Saturday).
In doing so, the free-legged star ran his rivals ragged in the 2138m feature and raced clear over the concluding stages to score comfortably defeating Glenferrie Hood and Alleluia in a time of 1:53.3 – the track record sits at 1:52.4 which is held by Bling It On.
The rising 11-year-old gelding ran sectionals of 30, 28.2, 27.6 and 27.4 seconds.
It was his second triumph in the Gold Coast Cup.
Co-owner and trainer Ian Gurney made the decision earlier this week to call time on his stable star who will spend the rest of his career enjoying one lazy day after another.
A treat he thoroughly deserves.
Because you could easily assume that Avonnova would have sore shoulders.
Not because of the hard and relentless racing he’s encountered over the years but more so of carrying the state of Queensland on his back since being claimed from an event at Goulburn just over three years ago.
His rise to the top in the sunshine state came at a difficult time owing to the fact the industry needs major help regarding infrastructure and prizemoney upgrades.
He also came at time when the state was desperately seeking another racetrack hero.
Keep in mind, during the past decade, the state of Queensland went through a cycle of champions highlighted by the incomparable Blacks A Fake plus a support cast that included the likes of Be Good Johnny, Flashing Red, Slipnslide, Cobbity Classic, Fleur De Lil, Sparkling Melody, I Am Sam and many others.
In short, he kept the state relevant.
But his rags to riches background and never say die attitude coupled with a free flowing racing style made him a horse to admire.
And he resonated to so many different types.
His likable and knockabout trainer who was methodical in his programming also made the story even more enjoyable.
During this whirlwind three year period as an adopted Queenslander, Avonnova has raced throughout the country and most times, in the biggest events possible.
The horse commonly known as “Nova” took on the greats including Im Themightyquinn, Beautide, Smolda, Lennytheshark and many others.
He competed with distinction in the two biggest events this country has to offer, the Inter Dominion (twice) plus a Miracle Mile.
Gurney believes his best ever performance came in defeat when 4th behind Lennytheshark in the 2015 Perth Inter Dominion Grand Final at Gloucester Park.
Fitting, his sole Group One victory came at his home track of Albion Park when successful in the 2015 Sunshine Sprint.
And tonight, his ending came at the same venue in front of plenty of adoring fans when he bowed out in the best possible manner….as a winner!
Avonnova is a true Queensland hero!
by Chris Barsby