It's certainly a very fitting name "Grins Night of Champions" when the best of the best come out to play.
"Results wise it was a great night" said Donnelly. "It's not often you line up ten horses on premier night and six of them run in the first four. Even a couple that didn't finish in the money still went good."
Kango was the headline act when running third in The Race by Grins. Driver David Butcher made the most of a perfect draw and it always looked like he'd be a top three or four chance when Don't Stop Dreaming easily held the lead.
"Kango finally got his chance," said an elated Donnelly. "I really scratch my head sometimes as I don't believe the big boy gets the recognition he deserves. He's won over half a million now but still seems to float under the radar."
"I'm rapt for Bruce and Marie Brodie and their family who have been great supporters of mine. Even when things don't go right Bruce is still happy. He's an amazing man to train for, real old school who takes everything in his stride."
Jolimont was brilliant taking out the NZB Airfreight Country Cup making it four wins on end.
Donnelly had this to say about Jolimont. "He's marching his way towards the big league quickly. I believe the trip to Christchurch last year made him. He went some great races down there and has continued to step up."
"It was fitting that part owners Nicki Cruickshank and Richard Campbell were on course. He'd won three in a row and none of his owners had been there so the pressure was on" laughed Donnelly.
Well known galloping identity Tommy Heptinstall also cheered Jolimont home all the way from Melbourne.
"Tommy hasn't seen him race live yet but he's right behind him every start. Hopefully when we line up in some of the bigger races he makes it over."
It was a great night of racing and Donnelly can be very proud of the way her team performed.
