Little Ripper grabs Bundy QGOLD glory

By Neil Archer

Little Ripper proved he still has plenty to offer on the race track when he notched up the 28th win of his career in Monday's $10,000-to-the-winner QGOLD Final over 460 metres at Bundaberg.

Lining up for his 96th race start, Little Ripper ($6) took advantage of his inside draw to lead comfortably and went on to beat Durham ($12) with odds-on favourite Oh Minnie ($1.70) in third.

It was Little Ripper's 22nd win at Bundaberg - his other six wins were over the 395 metres at Albion Park - and he has now won in excess of $77,000 in prize money.

Gympie trainer Lucy Roche, who took out her trainer's license last March, was naturally thrilled by the performance and thinks there are still a few more wins in store for the racing veteran.

"I went into Monday's race pretty hopeful," Roche said.

"I knew he wasn't 100 per cent race-fit, but he drew the right box and he had trialled well going into the race.  He's a tough old marvel who knows the Bundaberg track so well and I knew he wouldn't roll over.

"It was my first feature win, so I was very proud of him. He's just a beautiful dog to be around.  He just loves getting kisses and cuddles."

Little Ripper was having just his second start for Roche after he was gifted to her by his previous trainer David Plummer.

The Hervey Bay trainer - Plummer - has taken a break from training greyhounds after battling with cancer.

"It was great to win this race, especially as David and his wife Nancy had put such a lot into this dog," Roche said. 

"When David gave him to me, he wasn't sure just how much racing he actually had left in him, but asked me if I was interested in taking him on.  But, judging by Monday's performance, I'd say he can at least make it to his 100th start and win a few more races before he's finished.

"And, I think he can still go a bit quicker than he did on Monday. The problem could be finding suitable races for him. There aren't a lot of 460 metre or 315 metre Open races in Bundaberg.

"He certainly doesn't know how old he is. Leading up to the QGOLD he was bouncing around like a pup. I think he was feeling his age a little bit after the race but he's back to his old self now. He'll let us know when he's had enough of racing."