Santa arrived just in time to beat the storm, present the Maitland Christmas Cup to Oxley Rebel and trainer Darren Sultana and pose for photographs with the young and young at heart.

As Santa said his goodbyes last Thursday afternoon the rain fell and thunder and lightning led to the cancellation of the final two races.

The patrons who attended the family day enjoyed a free afternoon tea while the children were treated to face painting, games, ice blocks and even learnt how to make balloon animals.

Punters cheered as $2.20 favourite Oxley Rebel stormed home to win the Maitland Christmas Cup Final over 450 metres in 25.02 seconds, three quarters of a length ahead of Barry Riccio’s Caishen.

Butterwick trainer Michael Manuel received an early Christmas present when Cop A Chevy and Swizzle Sticka scored a double at Maitland last Thursday afternoon.

Cop A Chevy picked up $1500 when he won the Commercial Painting Group Stakes over 450m in a best-of-day 24.93s and Swizzle Sticka $1600 when he won the Newcastle GBOTA Xmas Sprint Final over 400m.

Cop A Chevy made it five wins on the trot and 10 wins from 16 races starts when he pinged the lids and led from start to finish to beat Mark Beagan’s Hey Duggee by eight and a quarter lengths.

Swizzle Sticka led most of the way to win the Newcastle GBOTA Xmas Sprint Final in 22.41s, beating Stephen Davies’ Supreme Style by two lengths.

Congratulations to Michael and his wife Jodie on a fantastic double.

Maitland Greyhounds will host three heats of the Maitland GBOTA Branch New Year’s Gift over 450m at the showground this Thursday.

The three winners and runners up and two fastest thirds will progress to the final on January 3.

Michael Manuel has kennel mates Swizzle Sticka in the first heat and Cop A Chevy in the second heat and it will make for an interesting match-up if both get through to the final.