Veteran Trainer Phoenix Bound With Tyanna Belle

EIGHTY-year-old Queenslanders Doug and Heather Gladman are off to the $1.65 million The Phoenix at The Meadows in Melbourne with their 73-start veteran Tyanna Belle in what Doug describes as “the second most exciting thing in his life”.

“The first is 58 years ago when I married Heather,” said Doug.

“It's a long time since I got this excited.”

Tyanna Belle (Cosmic Rumble-Shabeky) starting a $20 outsider led throughout to win the Queensland Flame (520m) at Albion Park on Thursday night to become the state's representative in the second running of The Phoenix.

That $1 million to the winner race will be held at The Meadows on December 17.

In her second attempt, the little speedster TYANNA BELLE gets her slice of triumph in the 2022 Listed Queensland Flame ?

Congratulations to her trainers Doug and Heather Gladman, you're off to contest the $1.65M @MelbourneGreys The Phoenix ? @BrisGreys #QLDisRacing? pic.twitter.com/W869xcyzLG

— RaceQ (@RaceQLD) December 1, 2022

Amazingly, Tyanna Belle was a reserve for the heats of the Queensland Flame last week and got a start finishing third to Shipwreck  in 29.68.

“Honestly, I thought she could win,” said Doug, who will turn 81 in a few months.

“Her latest run was very good and, I thought all those blokes out wide in the Flame would get tangled up and that's what happened.”

That is exactly what happened and Tyanna Belle, off the two box, speared to the front and opened up a big break.

It was left to Mick and Selena Zammit's Jay Is Jay to come out after her but he was set a huge task and Doug and Heather's Belle held him off on the wet track in 30.17.

Tungsten Miss was third.

“There is only two things in racing, money and enjoyment,” said Doug. “When you get one or the other it is great. But to get both at the same time is fantastic.”

Doug and Heather will “let it all settle down” before making plans to head to The Meadows on December 17.

“My early thoughts are that we will fly down on the day of the race,” said Doug.

“She is a wonderful traveller.

“I will not trial her on the track and I have my reasons why. She will probably have a race in between.

“She only free gallops between races and always in our minds is doing the best for her. The dog is more important.

“But, just to be in the race is wonderful.

“Heather hinted she would not be coming to Melbourne, but I'll change her mind about that.”

When asked just how old he is, Doug's reply was: “I'm real old, in my twilight years, but today I feel like I'm 50.”

Doug has always felt a feature race was on the cards for Tyanna Belle.

“But in the past she has been unlucky, or been injured,” he said.

“But, she still holds a track record at Albion Park.”

Tyanna Belle has won 26 races and earned $133,000.

Doug admitted he has not had a drink for years, but he had one celebratory drink after the victory. “It was good too,” he said.

While Mick and Selena Zammit finished second with Jay Is Jay in the Queensland Flame, they still will be on hand for The Phoenix.

Mick entered the Racing Queensland competition and won a trip to The Phoenix, overnight accommodation and $3000 spending money.