Caption: Mary Burman with Blue Hornet at Ipswich on Monday night after the young flyer hit the line in record time – 29.83 – in a 4^th/5th grade 520m event. (Photo: Just Greyhound Photos)

By PAT McLEOD

Mary and Ray Burman’s breeding dynasty etched another milestone at Ipswich on Monday night with smart young sprinter Blue Hornet breaking that track’s 520m record, which had been in the keeping of his mother, Champagne Sally.

Pinging from the Red Box, Blue Hornet was never headed and scored by 11 and three quarter lengths ahead of Get Carter (Grant Franklin) and Jimmy The Singer (Corey Mutton) in 29.83, lowering the previous mark of 29.97, which had been held by both Champagne Sally and Fernando Blaster.

Experienced Ipswich caller John ‘Bunny’ Brasch described Blue Hornet as ‘low flying’ as her scorched to the line in a run home of 11.60.

“That final section is what sealed it for him,” said Brasch of the record run. “His first sectional of 5.36 is OK. He then opened the after-burners with a 12.87, which is flying, and then the run home.

“This dog is not two yet, has had 23 starts and is really starting to emerge from the pack. He has certainly been a good dog, winning the Qgold Emerging Stayers over 600m at Albion Park in December as part of the Golden Greys Summer Carnival.

“No surprise that Ray and Mary have done a fantastic job in preparing this race dog, who now could be something special. His experience over 600m has certainly made him a strong dog. He really found the line well tonight.”

The record run was special for Brasch as well, who also called Champagne Sally’s record in December, 2017, and Fernando Blaster’s in November, 2019.

Of course, Champagne Sally is a favourite of the Burman kennel. The mighty bitch campaigned through 87 starts (27-12-5) for $233,618 in prizemoney and still holds the 630m record at Ipswich (36.68) and the 600m mark at Albion Park (34.43).

 Monday night’s win was Blue Hornet’s fifth in succession, and 11th overall.