Written by Brennan Ryan

Victoria and Tasmania shared the glory as Mile A Minute clinched a thrilling win in the Group 3 National Straight Track Championship Final (350m) at Murray Bridge on Saturday morning.

Mile A Minute, ($3.20) and owned by Rodney Campbell of Tasmania, showed incredible determination to overcome an early tussle.

The brindle chaser managed to catch up with and overtake Express Ethics from New South Wales and Cash On Delivery from South Australia, clinching victory by a neck in 19.17 seconds.

The Superior Panama – Medio Paso chaser achieved his 11th win in 19 races, under the guidance of Pearcedale trainer Jackie Greenough, clinching the $28,000 top prize and bringing his total earnings to $53,638.

This triumph marks Victoria’s third win in the National Straight Track series, following Peter Galo’s victory in 2019 and Unleash Collinda’s in 2023.

Jackie’s grandson, Bradley Greenough, was responsible for the handling duties in the Group 3 victory.

“He’s definitely demonstrating his capabilities,” Bradley remarked about Mile A Minute.

“Mile A Minute’s pace at Healesville, along with the times recorded, certainly positioned him as a contender for victory in a prestigious event like the National Straight Track Championship.”

The contenders for the 2024 National Straight Track Championship created an exceptional lineup.

Connections are now setting their sights on entering Mile A Minute in the Group 2 Healesville Cup series, which runs over 350 metres, with the heats scheduled for Sunday, September 1.

“We are overjoyed for Rodney Campbell, the owner, who is a tremendous supporter of our kennel. They adore the dog and even travelled from Tasmania to witness its recent win at Healesville,” Bradley stated.

Owner Rodney Campbell was ecstatic about Mile A Minute’s success.

“I’m still shaking. It was an incredible victory,” Rodney said, watching from Tasmania.

“Jackie and Kel Greenough have performed exceptionally with the dog from the outset, meticulously planning its entire campaign leading up to the series – my gratitude towards them is boundless.”

Nominations for Sunday’s Sportsbet Healesville Cup heats close at 10am on Thursday with fields expected to be published by midday.