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  • Saturday, 30 Jul, 2016,
  • by Greyhound Racing Victoria

Warrnambool Express wins Group 1 Maturity

Warrnambool greyhound Kilty Express ($6.50), the only greyhound in tonight’s Hudson Pacific Maturity Classic night trained by a hobby trainer (Ray Drew), has won the $145,000 final in thrilling fashion.

This is the first time the Drew kennel has had a runner in a Group 1 race, and Kilty Express did it the hard way, running down Shima Song ($5.20) and Ultimate Magic ($3.70Fav) in a tight three way finish in 30.17sec.
Kilty Express is owned by the Bluelion Syndicate, which is managed by Gary Robb, who paid tribute to breeder Brian Parksinon.

“When we first met Brian we visited his place at Lara and he said told us he gives his dogs every opportunity to be the best they can, and he certainly does that,” Robb said.

“There’s three of us in the syndicate. Tim (Robins) is a Brisbane supporter and he’s watching his team get hammered by 10 goals to Port Adelaide, while Dave (Walmsley) and I are here tonight having a great time,” he laughed.

“Kilty Express went to Ray and his son Dustin to be trained back in February, and he has gone ahead in leaps and bounds. Dave and I couldn’t believe it when he made the Warrnambool Classic earlier this year, and to now make the Maturity Classic is a dream come true.”

“I’d like to congratulate all the owners and trainers in the final. Only really good greyhounds make finals like this. It’s an honour just to be in it, let alone win it. We couldn’t be happier.”

Dustin Drew (pictured above) said he hoped that tonight’s age-restricted Group 1 was the start of bigger and better things for Kilty Express (Kilty Lad – Bogie Jewel).

“I’m hoping this is just the beginning for him at this level. It’s a pleasure to drive four hours to race here.”
Earlier in the night, The Meadows hosted two other feature finals, also won by greyhound trained by hobby trainers.
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WATCH: Kilty Express (6) wins the 2016 Hudson Pacific Maturity Classic.
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Kilty Express (6) wins the Maturity Classic over Shima Song (2) and Ultimate Magic (5).
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Kilty Express’ owners Gary Robb (left), David Walmsley (centre) and breeder
Brian Parkinson celebrate their Maturity Classic win.
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Trainer Ray Drew (far right) celebrates with Kilty Express’ fan club.
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Gavin Burke (Pantera Nera) and Gerry O’Keeffe (Ring The Bell) after they each won a
supporting feature race on Maturity Classic night.

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Pantera Nera after winning the $17,250 7 Days Pastries Grade 5 Final.
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Ring The Bell after winning the $29,000 Destini Fireball Stayers Final.

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Greyhound Racing Victoria

GRV regulates the sport of greyhound racing in the state of Victoria under the Racing Act 1958 (Act), which includes setting standards and ensuring they are met by participants.

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