Handsome Prince Secures TAB Million Dollar Chase

FORMER Tasmanian sprinter Handsome Prince has sprung from relative obscurity to win the TAB Million Dollar Chase Grand Final (520m) at Wentworth Park on Friday night.

The million dollar victory delivered Llandilo trainer Peter Lagogiane a second TAB Million Dollar Chase after Mystic Riot took out the inaugural running of the event in 2018.

Ironically, Handsome Prince exited box seven for Friday night's rampaging MDC victory, the same draw Mystic Riot exited when victorious two years ago.

"Words can't explain this feeling," said Lagogiane.

"To win it once was a fairy tale and now to win it a second time … I don't know how to even begin to explain it.

"I want to thank Shakeel (Latimer) for buying the dog and placing faith in me to deliver a result. And my wife Jodie, she's the backbone of our operation. She's my rock – I love her so much."

It was in only mid-September that Handsome Prince was purchased by owner Shakeel Latimer to race under the care of Lagogiane.

A talented performer in Tasmania, the son of Sh Avatar has been a revelation since finding his way to New South Wales, winning each of his three Wentworth Park appearances to land the $1 million first prize on Friday night.

"I want to thank Shakeel for the faith he's shown in my kennel … to deliver a result like this so early means the world," Lagogiane said.

"When the greyhound arrived Shakeel asked me if we could win the Million Dollar Chase. I told him he was dreaming.

"And look where we are now. That's greyhound racing in a nutshell. It delivers dreams to people if you do the hard work."

Finishing second in Friday night's Million Dollar Chase Grand Final was a gallant Xerri for Darryl Thomas, beaten 1 ¾ lengths on the line.

WA star Tommy Shelby finished third another neck away.

Handsome Prince recorded 29.72 seconds in becoming greyhound racing's newest million dollar earner.

"What an amazing greyhound – as soon as he began I thought boy he's going to be hard to beat," Lagogiane beamed.

The first of Friday night's features – the TAB Million Dollar Chase Maiden Final (520m) – was won in powerhouse fashion by Zipping Moose for trainer Luke Adams in 30.21.

The TAB Young Star Final (520m) was annexed by the well supported Rapallo in 30.14 for trainer Jodie Lord while the Masters Meteor (520m) was taken out by four year-old Sunburnt Highway in 29.87.

The $100,000 to-the-winner Sydney Cup (720m) for the stayers was won by Here's Tears for Victorian trainer Robert Britton while the TAB Million Dollar Chase Consolation (520m) was landed by Shetland, also prepared by Peter Lagogiane.