Gift From Above: Meo's Derby Delight

AN emotional Charlie Meo has credited his half-ownership of powerhouse juvenile Flynn for a whole new outlook on life following the star youngster’s brilliant victory in Saturday night’s Western Districts Derby Final (450m) at Ballarat.

Adam Dobbin18 February 2019

AN emotional Charlie Meo has credited his half-ownership of powerhouse juvenile Flynn for a whole new outlook on life following the star youngster's brilliant victory in Saturday night's Western Districts Derby Final (450m) at Ballarat.

"I know this sounds very strong but being involved with this dog has dead-set saved me," declared an emotional Meo on Monday.

"I've known Harry Manolitsis for about 30 years and can't thank he and his wife Adean enough for letting me get involved with Flynn, the joy this dog is giving me has made me look at life completely different and really live again, it's been great.

"I rang Harry a few weeks after Flynn ran second at Bendigo last year and asked him if I could get involved. About a week later he called me back and asked if I was fair dinkum and it went from there. He didn't have to do what he did and I'll forever be indebted to him, I can't explain the feeling this dog has given me, it's been overwhelming for me and my dad, Tony."

Scraping through to Saturday night's $20,000 to-the-winner final after finishing fourth to fastest qualifier Jebrynah in his heat, Flynn made full use of his lucky Derby berth, finishing powerfully to gun down leader Whiskey Riot in the drive to the line, scoring by a length in 24.95.

The victory took the son of Kinloch Brae and Jubilation's record to six wins from the eight starts, including his track record breaking Bendigo success, a performance that rubber-stamped his arrival as Victoria's hottest young galloper.

"We lost mum from the family in January 2017 to brain cancer and before she passed away she made Dad and I promise we'd live life to the fullest and to be honest I haven't been until this dog came along, he's changed everything," added Meo.

"For the last four years mum was alive Dad and I looked after her full-time with the help of family. It was hard, but time I don't regret because I got to know her better than I could have ever imagined.

"The doctors gave her a few months to live back in 2009 but top surgeon Charlie Teo operated on her twice and from that she lived another eight years – we can't thank Charlie enough for what he did and the time he afforded us."

Still trembling 48 hours on from Flynn's dominant Derby success, Meo says future plans for the star youngster are still up in the air, but whatever the decision, it will solely rest with his trainer Harry Manolitsis.

"I think Harry plans to give him 10 days off and then make a call about what direction we head – I can't speak highly enough of Harry, he always turns out his dogs looking immaculate," added Meo.

"The Launching Pad at Sandown is an option but he's on the maximum of six wins now so couldn't win another race before that series starts. It's scary what this dog can do – it really is hard to put into words."

48-year old Meo, who bred former top chaser Cool Effort before selling him at 14 months, has been involved in greyhound racing since he was 12, racing a greyhound named Charlie's Legend, gifted from his father Tony.

"I've had some good dogs over the years, I sold Cool Effort before break-in and I owned a really good bitch Foolish Girl who I sold to Mike Quinsee in Western Australia – I moved her on after I was in a bad car accident where I broke my neck."

And with his new found lease on life, Meo returned to the track on Saturday night to witness Flynn's dramatic Derby victory, catching up with some familiar old faces.

"Saturday night was the first time I'd been to the races in six years, it seemed like forever," said Meo.

"To have so many respected trainers come up to me and speak highly of the dog like they did after he won meant a lot. Dad is 76 now and to see him cheering and throwing his hat up in the air was just fantastic. It's not about the money at all, I really mean that. What this dog is doing for us is priceless."

Boasting all the attributes you want from a youngster learning his craft; speed, strength, great track sense and a brilliant temperament to boot, Meo says he's very much looking forward to what awaits for the rising star.

"What do they say? Have dog will travel. Seriously, he's a gift from heaven. He really is!" said Meo.

"I know mum would be looking down with a smile on her face as well. If not for her I wouldn't be involved in the dog so it's great for her memory as well."