News

Bell favoured for $50,000 prize

22nd Mar 2017

Colac trainer Russell Bell is hopeful of not only winning the $50,000 Inglis cheque at The Valley on Friday night, but claiming the final Series heat with stable marvel Sirbible in the process.

The 16th and last heat of the Inglis 55 Second Challenge (955m) is Race 4 at The Valley on a fantastic night of Group 1 racing.

Sirbible’s winning time of 54.84 seconds from Heat 5 on November 11 last year remains the fastest with just one qualifier remaining.

The trainer of the horse with the fastest time at the conclusion of Friday night’s final heat will receive a $50,000 credit voucher at a 2017 Inglis sale of his or her choice.

Since his Heat 5 victory, Sirbible has contested four races – three at Stakes level – most recently finishing third behind Malaguerra in the Group 2 Australia Stakes at The Valley on January 27.

“He’s jumping out of his skin, I really couldn’t be happier with him and drawing barrier six for him is just perfect,’’ Bell said.

The trainer remained confident of Sirbible winning on Friday night but if he didn’t – and the race winner also clocked a time faster than 54.84 secs – Bell hoped the money went to a worthy recipient.

“Inglis are wonderful in regards to how they spend money on racing and put back into the industry, everybody knows that,’’ Bell said.

“I’d love the $50,000 but if I don’t win it, I hope that whoever does, needs it and deserves it.’’

The final heat of the Inglis 55 Second Challenge will be run at 8pm at The Valley on Friday night.