PAMELA and Paul Braddon have tasted regular success at Dawson Park across a number of years but had never been able to claim the Dubbo Gold Cup.
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That changed on Sunday night when the Cowra couple got their hands on the prestigious trophy when classy bitch All A Blaze led all the way to win the 2016 edition of the 516m feature.
The main prize of Dubbo Greyhound Racing Club's annual Anzac Carnival, the Cosmic Rumble Gold Cup carried $16,500 in prize money and attracted a field of chasers led by Golden Easter Egg placegetter Brad Hill Billy.
The Raymond Smith-trained dog was sent out a $1.70 favourite in the final after running a track record 29.30s in his heat but with even luck All A Blaze ($7.70) was able to overturn her loss in the heat to run 29.39s in claiming the final.
From box three the El Grand Senor x Willow Blaze bitch was able to jump well and cross Suzi Cargo ($8.90) to find the rails.
Meanwhile, Brad Hill Billy had found some trouble and was pushed back to sixth place.
It was at this point that Pamela Braddon admitted she was comfortable watching on and she had little reason to worry as All A Blaze went on to win by two-and-a-half lengths.
"I just wanted her to get around safely because there were some dogs inside that like to run wide and I didn't want her caught up in any drama," Braddon said.
"Once she got in front of Suzi Cargo I didn't think she would be able to run us down, so I was watching for Brad Hill Billy.
"But he found a bit of trouble and it just gave us that break we needed and she was really strong to the line.
"It's such a big thrill to win this race because we've been bringing dogs to Dubbo for years but never been able to win this race. It's always a really good carnival here and we're so happy we could get the big one."
The win took All A Blaze's record to six wins and four placings from just 13 starts, and her rise has been rapid when you consider she only made her debut in December of last year.
The Braddons thought enough of her to go to the Richmond Oaks, and with a win at Wentworth Park already under her belt she will again be aimed at metropolitan racing.
"We'll take her back to Sydney now and if she goes well enough we might leave her with Anthony Azzopardi," Braddon said.
"If not we'll bring her back here and look for some suitable races but she does have a lot of ability. To beat a field that has a Golden Easter Egg runner-up in it is not easy so she is going to win a few more races along the way."
All A Blaze's win capped a good night for the Braddons, who earlier in the evening had littermate Hope's A Chance take out the Sires On Ice Gallipoli Final (400m).