A powerful come-from-behind performance saw All Inn Billy enter the history books by winning the 148th Waterloo Cup today at Longwood.
His experienced trainer Tony Duncan labelled the victory as the biggest thrill of his career as his greyhound overpowered Kasemi (Kristie Collyer) to make it six unbeaten courses across the series.
“Who would have thought I’d be in this position a month ago,” an emotional Duncan said at day’s end.
“I’ve won a Presidents Cup at Horsham, Trainer of the Year at Shepparton and Greyhound of the Year at Shepparton, but this is extra special.”
Duncan said the powerful finish has become a key trait of his All Inn Billy’s armour.
“I took All Inn Billy coursing for the first time a few weeks ago and he managed to beat (reigning Waterloo Cup winner) Making Gravy, so I thought why not put him in the Waterloo Cup,” he said.
“Once he reaches the driver’s tower at Longwood, which is about three quarters of the way to the finish line, he finds another gear.”
Duncan, a semi-regular on the coursing circuit for more than a decade, gave All Inn Billy an easy week after day one of the 2021 Waterloo Cup last Sunday.
“He pulled up so well after the first day. The next day he was tearing around the paddocks at home and was ready to go again, but I gave him the week off and it paid dividends,” he said.
Based in Harston, Duncan breeds and trains the ‘All Inn’ greyhounds, with this particular litter – by Barcia Bale out of All Inn Amy – proving themselves to be very handy on the circle, including All Inn Billy, who has won 12 from 36 on TAB tracks.
“I said to dad very early on that I’d win $100,000 with this litter, and I was right as they’ve won 50 races between them and over a hundred grand,” Duncan said.
“I’ve always trailled my dogs regularly at Longwood, but especially in recent months as my paddocks have been under water because we’ve had so much rain, so that could have worked in All Inn Billy’s favour today.”
All Inn Billy claimed a first prize of $12,970 plus VicGreys Bonus, rug and replica trophy, while he’ll also have his name inscribed on the original Waterloo Cup silverware.
Consolation events, the Waterloo Plate and Waterloo Purse were won by Orson Emmy and Hugo respectively.
