Antons Maggie, a 5-1 contender, emerged victorious in the Bet365 Winter Marathon Final at Towcester, marking a milestone 60th open-race win in 2023 for trainer Michelle Brown. The Towcester and Suffolk Downs handler celebrated the win over the 942m distance in the £3,000-to-the-winner GBGB Category Two event. Owned by Craig Chesson and David Redmile, Antons Maggie, born in July 2021, displayed exceptional staying power to claim the prize in a thrilling race.
The victory was a family affair, with Antons Maggie hailing from the renowned Ballymac Anton and Slippy Maggie litter, which includes other notable winners like She Loves You, also a finalist in the final. The dam, Slippy Maggie, achieved significant success on the track, winning the Bunny Bookmakers Henlow Gold Cup, the Jay & Kay Coach Tours Kent St Leger, and the Boxing Day Marathon at Crayford in 2018. Antons Maggie's victory added another chapter to the kennel's success story.
Farneys Cooper took the lead early on, but Antons Maggie, along with litter sister She Loves You, closed the gap down the back-straight. Antons Maggie made her move off the final bend, securing a two-length win over the favourite, A Mystical Love, in 59.26 seconds (-20).
Trainer Michelle Brown expressed her joy at the fantastic performance of both girls and thanked the owners, Craig Chesson and David Redmile, for their support and friendship. The kennel's strong connection with supporters like them has been crucial to their success. Brown highlighted Antons Maggie's strength and revealed plans to participate in the Boxing Day Marathon at Crayford and the TV Trophy at Oxford.
Sponsor Bet365's Pat Cooney expressed his delight with the outcomes of the Bet365 Puppy Oaks and Bet365 Winter Marathon, praising the thrilling finishes in each final. He noted the growing interest in long-distance races and received positive feedback, making the sponsorship a success. Cooney extended congratulations to both winners, marking the conclusion of two well-received competitions.