3 minute read

In what could be her final start, Sweet Deal has outclassed her rivals to claim the Hawkesbury Crown.

An emotional John Thompson is adamant Sweet Deal still has more to offer on the racetrack despite her impending auction at an upcoming broodmare sale. 

The mare was back to her best to capture the Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown (1300m) at Saturday's stand-alone meeting, which might be the final time Thompson saddles her up on race day. 

She is set to go through the ring at the Inglis Chairman's Sale on May 7 and Thompson has implored impending buyers to consider continuing her campaign in Queensland. 

"She's a lovely mare. If somebody does purchase her as a broodmare have a look at her, you wouldn't get a better type anywhere in the land," Thompson said. 

"I do think she's back to her best. We had a couple of cracks at 1500, which wasn't her go, we freshened her up and came back in distance and she's got back to form. 

"I'd take her to Queensland. I'd go up there for the Dane Ripper and Tatt's Tiara, they're mares' races over her distances, speed on in the races and they would suit her down to the ground." 

Sweet Deal ($2.80 fav) was given time to find her feet by Nash Rawiller and chased hard once clear to run down Jen Rules ($26) by 1-1/4 lengths with Air To Air ($8) third. 

Rawiller has enjoyed a great partnership with the six-year-old and like Thompson, believes she is far from a spent force. 

"It's pretty emotional today hearing it might be her last run," Rawiller said. 

"Geez, I hope they get good money for her because if they don't get $2 million for her they should keep racing her. 

"When she steps well and relaxes like that, has the right ground, she's a Group One mare that just hasn't quite be able to get there. 

"I'm just rapt to see her finish her career off like that, if that's the case, and very happy for John also."