Coast in May a great time for Jan

THE Gold Coast in May holds more fond memories for owner-breeder Jan Clark after she celebrated the debut win of Starfire Girl this afternoon.
Clark and her late father Jim raced Starfire Girl’s sire Starmaker, who won the 1997 Prime Minister’s Cup (2400m) at the Gold Coast. Starmaker was ridden by Gary Dougthy, the husband of Starfire Girl’s trainer Kelly Doughty.
Starfire Girl is out of the broodmare Safari Moon, making her a full-sister to Charvicky a mare who won six races for Eagle Farm trainer Rob Heathcote.
Sent out a $21 chance in today’s Amos Nay Memorial Maiden Plate (1200m), Starfire Girl wasn’t too comfortable in the slow conditions but still found enough to beat Keeninska ($4.60) by a neck. Wayne ($6) was 3-1/2 lengths away in third.
“It’s great to win when you don’t come here with too many high expectations for her debut run,’’ said Clark.
“The Gold Coast holds good memories for me. I remember Starmaker won his first race here on May 14, 1994 and (trainer) Jim Griffiths told us that day that we had a pretty good horse on our hands.
“And then a few years later he won the Prime Minister’s Cup -  also on May 14 - and now here I am back here winning at the Coast again at this time of year. And the link with Gary continues with Kelly training this filly.’’
Kelly Doughty was delighted with the three-year-old filly’s performance.
“She was never comfortable in that ground, but was still too strong’’ she said.
Story: Neil Archer
 Photo: Trackside Photography Pty Ltd