Grand Goodbye: Injuries End Glittering Careers

SUNDAY night's Group 2 Gosford Gold Cup heats drew the curtain on group class sprinters Federal Lilly and Jamella Jet, retired due to injury.

PETER Lagogiane's Gosford Gold Cup defence remains on track after qualifying two runners for next Sunday's $40,000 to-the-winner decider.

But Sunday night's heats of the group 2 feature didn't come without their share of sadness either with the injury enforced retirements of star chasers Federal Lilly and Jamella Jet.

Federal Lilly, runner-up in this year's Golden Easter Egg, and Jamella Jet, runner-up in the inaugural Million Dollar Chase, both succumbed to hock injuries and have been retired.

"She's ok but that's it for her racing, she's been a terrific bitch to us and her owners … we're very proud," said Federal Lilly's trainer Peter Lagogiane.

Winner of 16 races and $166,000 in prize money, the daughter of Dyna Double One and Kwik Magic was eyeing a tilt at a second Gosford Gold Cup decider after finishing fifth last year to the Lagogiane-trained Beast Unleashed in track record time.

But after a moderate beginning in the opening heat, the grand bitch went amiss down the back straight, injuring an offside hock.

For the Andrew and Adam Crouch trained Jamella Jet the extent of injuries was more profound with the son of Fernando Bale scheduled for surgery today.

"I've just dropped him at Colyton (veterinary clinic)," said a despondent Adam Crouch.

"Chris (Papantonio) is confident with where the breaks are he can do what is necessary – we've just said to do whatever he needs to so he can live out a full life in retirement.

"He's been a fantastic dog to us. Even last night he showed how good a chaser he is … after the hock went he still kept chasing on three legs. I tried to stop him at the 500 boxes but he side-stepped me and kept going."

Jamella Jet, winner of 16 races and $200,000 in stakes, took out the Group 3 The Ambrosoli on Golden Easter Egg night this year in thunderous fashion.

For Peter Lagogiane, the Llandilo conditioner will be chasing a second straight Gosford Gold Cup after Double Back and Hooray Zipper qualified for the $40,000 to-the-winner decider with impressive performances.

Hooray Zipper, a son of Moreira, has won five of his six starts since entering Lagogiane's kennels and was ultra-impressive landing Sunday night's heat in 29.22 over Fire On Ice.

Heat one was annexed by Kid Candle for Geoff Grimwood in 29.49, while the third heat was taken out by Typhoon To Excel in 29.63 for Allen Williams.

The son of Allkel To Excel defeated an unlucky Double Back by a length, the son of Dyna Double One enjoying a less than ideal run in transit. From box two, he looms as one of the major chances in next weekend's finale.

BOX DRAW: GROUP 2 WOY WOY POULTRY GOSFORD GOLD CUP

1. BUCK'S FUTURE
2. DOUBLE BACK
3. TYPHOON TO EXCEL
4. ZIPPING VERNON
5. KID CANDLE
6. HOORAY ZIPPER
7. FIRE ON ICE
8. CONNIE'S BOY
9. NANGAR JACK
10. DUAL KEROMA

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