Zipping Zarbo's “Brave” Mount Gambier Cup Win

MOUNT Gambier Cup winner Zipping Zarbo battled to the line with a strained hock but still managed to hold on and win the feature race on Sunday.

The daughter of El Grand Senor-Zipping Abby scored by three-quarters of a length in 29.56 as the raging hot $1.90 favourite.

She held off the late charge of Renewed with Fabriola Zad in this three-quarters of a length away.

“She's pulled up hobbling around at home this morning,” said Rob Camilleri, partner of trainer Deb Coleman.

“We wondered why she seemed to get so tired coming to the finish and this is the reason. She is such a strong bitch, we felt she would run away from the field after leading and even test the track record.

“It is not serious but she will be out for a couple of weeks.”

Immediate plans for the bitch include a tilt at the Group 1 Sapphire Crown for bitches at Sandown Park.

“She's always been such a grand race bitch for us,” said Rob.

“She deserves to win a very good race like that.”

The Mount Gambier Cup victory was the second in succession for the kennel having won last year with Sunset Milo.

“Victorians were banned during Covid from nominating for the race last year, but five days before the series we sent Sunset Milo over to his owner and he won the Cup,” said Rob.

“It was a great thrill for all of us and especially the owner who was able to handle his own dog for such a feature race.”

Zipping Zarbo has now started 50 times for 24 wins and earned $94,000 in stakes.

“The injury took a bit of a shine off the win, but she is a wonderful race bitch and been unlucky in some finals before this,” said Rob.

Bred and raced by Marty Hallinan, she is a half sister to boom young stud dog Zipping Garth and star stayer Zipping Truvy.

“Marty has her booked in to breed with when she retires,” said Rob.