Racing
Traumatise lights up The Meadows with record-breaking Silver Chief heat
A Phoenix victory on Saturday night wasn’t the only reason for elite trainer Jason Thompson to celebrate at The Meadows.
Traumatise added his name to the record books, lowering a 10-year-old track record in a heat of the Group 1 Silver Chief with a blistering 29.36 seconds over the 525 metres.
"He did everything perfect – which he doesn't always do," Thompson said.
"Once he got to the front, you knew he was going to run quick."
The record-breaking run came just days after Traumatise narrowly missed a spot in the $1.65 million Phoenix, with Awesome Lodge electing to go with Delicate late in the selection process.
Traumatise breaks the 525 metre track record from box three on Phoenix night.
"He is very fast and if you had a crystal ball and knew he was going to do that, he would have been going around in race 10 tonight (The Phoenix)," Thompson said.
Traumatise lines up from box one in tonight's Silver Chief final at The Meadows and has already caught the attention of punters.
Not traditionally known as a fast beginner, Traumatise shares the quickest first split in the Silver Chief field with noted lid pinger Dewana Star, both recording 5.03 seconds in their heats.
"He has done it before – you only had to look through his form," Thompson said.
"He's run very quick times at the country tracks and trialled at Geelong in the lead-up to the Phoenix where he went the equivalent of smashing the 400-metre record."
The 525-metre track record wasn't the only mark to fall on Phoenix night. The 600-metre record was lowered in the opening event, with Caco Magic stopping the clock at a blistering 33.91 seconds.
Following the second record of the night, race caller Dan Hibberd likened the moment to "winning lotto twice."
Attention now turns to the Group 1 Silver Chief, race eight at The Meadows tomorrow night, scheduled to jump at 9.01pm.
Adding to the occasion, The Meadows will host a free, family-friendly night, with gates opening at 5.30pm and a full program of activities and giveaways on offer.
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