Placing eludes arresting filly

By Kath Gannaway
MONBULK police sergeant and former Yarra Ranges Shire councillor Alan Fincher, has added another less formal title to his collection – that of “colourful Monbulk racing identity”.
Sgt Fincher, part-owner of Miss Rosehand, took a well-deserved bit of rest and relaxation at Yarra Glen races on Sunday to watch the pretty chestnut filly run her first race in the 1000 metre 2YO Fillies Maiden Plate.
Sgt Fincher is no stranger to the Yarra Glen track – not because of his racing interests, but because for the past week he has been part of the huge contingent of bushfire response police working out of the Yarra Valley Racing Centre.
“I finished my shift at 8am this morning, ducked home for a couple of hours sleep and came back to see her first race,” Sgt Fincher said.
He said the chance to spend time with family and friends at the races was a welcome break from the past two weeks police work. escape
Although Miss Rosehand didn’t place, trainer Russell Cameron of Bangholme was pleased enough with her first effort.
It’s early days for the filly who Cameron said lost some pace in the dying moments of what the commentator called a “ripping finish”.