Galloway Turns Back The Clock To Claim Masters

KEV Galloway insists he is still 81 and won't turn 82 until four months time.

On Thursday night at Albion Park he was stepping around like a 21-year-old after Galway Ludwig stormed home to win the Racing Queensland Masters Final (520m) and pocket the $12,600 winner's cheque.

Kev bred and reared the Magic Sprite-Skie's Size dog who has been a fabulous money spinner for the Galloway kennel, racing 70 times for 11 wins and 22 placings earning $54,000.

“It certainly was a nice one to win,” said Kev today of the Masters victory.

“He really gave Regal Opal a hell of a start, but he's very strong, more of a 600 metre dog.”

Regal Opal had opened up a huge early break and still had a clear lead turning for home.

Galway Ludwig wore it down to win be almost two lengths in 29.99 with Emma Said in third. Galway Ludwig started at $16.

“He's always been a come home dog,” said Kev of Galway Ludwig.

“I have to thank Nicki Connell for all the luck in the race.

“Nicki's dog Sonic Boom crashed to the rail at the start from the three box and that gave my bloke a clear run early. Then Nicki's dog ran off at the first turn and got a few other as well.”

Kev Galloway has long been one of the regular faces of greyhound racing in Queensland.

He has only six in training but, despite being 81 (rising 82), he has planned for his future in the industry.

“I've got seven 10 month old pups and five that are four months,” he said.

While Galway Ludwig keeps picking up prizemoney, Kev has always rated his litter brother Galway Johann the better of the two.

“He's always been the fastest, but he keeps finding injuries,” he said, of the 11-times winner.

Dam Skie's Size lives her life out as a household pet at the Galloway home.

“She had two litters but each time had real problems having the pups,” he said.

Meanwhile Wayne Scott's royally bred Libby's Girl (Fernando Bale-Velocity Mist) led throughout to win the time-honoured Eric Thomson Memorial Maiden (520m) at the huge odds of $14.

She scored by almost two lengths over Cool Hand Luke with Beg Pardon in third.

Hot favourite Preston Lee was never out of trouble finishing seventh at $2.80.

“We reared her for the boys who are great owners to have,” said Wayne.

“Early pace and good box draws win races and that's the story of Libby's Girl's victory.”