Ring The Bell (pictured with trainer Gerry O’Keeffe, handler Mark Smith and connections) has engraved his name in one of New Zealands most prestigious races – the Plasterboard sponsored Group One Duke Of Edinburgh Silver Collar.

Worth a total of $80,000, the Silver Collar has royal roots after the Duke Of Edinburgh Prince Phillip donated the Silver Collar to the Manukau Club after he received a greyhound as a gift on one of his travels.

The Silver Collars holds so much value it is only brought out of a vault once a year for the winner of the 779 metre race.

Ring The Bell did Australia proud punching up to lead the field at the 150 metre mark and didn’t look back, defeating one of New Zealand’s best chasers and last years winner Shandell.

Ring The Bell has now won 20 races from 64 starts, accumulating more than $300,000 in prize money for trainer Gerry O’Keeffe and owner/ breeders the Fourth Frothys syndicate.

Before the race O’Keeffe gave his stayer every chance from box four, but was worried about the depth of talent that New Zealand had to offer.

Photo credits Peter Fenemor.