Lawson Hits Illingworth Classic For Six

MAJOR Innings launched himself into the spotlight with an all-the-way victory in Monday night's $14,000 TAB Illingworth Classic Final (515m) at Launceston.

For owners John and Tim Quill and Ricky Ponting, it was cause for celebration after the son of Barcia Bale and Flash Innings flew the lids to slip straight to the front from box two, holding challenger Flash Comet at bay over the concluding stages to score a gritty win for trainer Graeme Lawson in a fast 29.74.

Watch Major Innings' Illingworth Classic victory

https://youtu.be/pvh_Af5QsQQ

For long-time greyhound owners John Quill and Ricky Ponting, the victory was a most deserved one, having formed an association two decades ago.

"Of all the wins I've had, this race has been the one I've been most excited about in the lead up," said John Quill.

"It's a great race for any local to win – everything just fell into place at the right time, couldn't be happier.

“Major Innings has always been a promising dog that showed good traits early days, to have a pup bred and owned in Tasmania that has his ability is great, he's got a bright future.

"Graeme deserves all the accolades with the dog, his attention to detail is first rate and the dog has thrived in his new surroundings, it really is a credit to Graeme this win.”

Major Innings has now won 11 of his 25 starts with Monday's victory taking his prizemoney earnings to $39,530. In all, the litter has won 43 races from 153 starts.

"Ricky (Ponting) is away in India at the moment for the IPL but I'm absolutely certain he would have found out the result and watched the replay, he loves his racing and knows when the dogs are in," Quill added.

"Ricky is like family to us. My son Tim went to school with him, they've been mates for years. Ricky has been a true follower of greyhounds and we got our first dog called Breshin Bale which I bought from the Wheeler Family.

"Dale Hammersley trained the dog for us in Tasmania and he won seven races before we decided to send him back to Melbourne and that's how I came to meet Jeff Britton."

Quill said at some stage Major Innings will return to Jeff Britton.

"I'm looking to send the dog back to Melbourne though he will have another run here first. I will have a replacement for Graeme when the time comes for him to head back to the mainland," said John.