John Mellon was asked for just a word to describe his greyhound Mellcat Big Boy. He needed twice as many describing him as his: “best mate”.
And that was before his best mate took out John’s hometown feature race, the $40,000 Group 3 Ladbrokes Goulburn Cup on Friday afternoon.
“It wouldn't matter if these races were worth $500. It's as simple as that, this dog just makes me so happy,” Mellon explained.
“My mum and dad got their first dog when I was eight-years-old and I’ve been in love with the breed ever since then. I mean it, life is nothing without a greyhound. I mean that.
“Nothing beats it. I recommend it (greyhound racing) to anybody. Go out, buy a dog, and enjoy this sport.
“He (Mellcat Big Boy) makes it all easy, he really does. Good dogs just make it easy. They make you look good.
“He’s been a brilliant dog from day one. The best dog I’ve ever had. This dog will be the perfect pet too. He does nothing wrong.”
John’s wife Cath then added: “He’s my baby. He’s everything to me. He’s got the lounge for the rest of his life.”
While he may be destined for the lounge one day, not just yet judging by his blistering Cup win. Jumping well from box four he was able to position just behind the leaders Yuko Girl and favourite Aston Barak, before powering to the lead before they reached the turn, and once in front it was game over.
Mellcat Big Boy scored by 4¾ lengths from a gallant Yuko Girl with last year’s Fireball winner Father Rick running on strongly for third. The time of 24.32s is the second fastest time produced in a Cup final, with only Wow’s 24.22s last year being quicker.
It was a truly emotional win for John and Cath Mellon, and the couple now plan to use some of the $40,000 to take a well-deserved holiday.
The win took Mellcat Big Boy’s record to 19 wins and 10 placings from 44 starts and he has now passed the $100,000 mark in earnings.
In the day’s other feature, the $25,000 Goulburn Workers Club Fireball final, victory went to Lisa and Dave Worthy’s Apollo Speed who held off Slingshot Rusty, with the Worthy’s other finalist Special Star collecting third place.
The couple have had a turbulent year and have recently been dealing with some difficult, private family matters.
“This is a big relief that we are through this race now. The whole year has been pretty crap for me personally, family wise, but the dogs have kept us going and especially these two boys,” Lisa said after the victory. “As I said these dogs just kept me going this year and if it wasn't for them, it would be a different story. They are a treat to us.”
Added Dave Worthy: “I'm just so happy for her. She puts so much work and time into these dogs. She deserves everything. It’s been a tough couple of weeks for us.”
Apollo Speed flew from the boxes with his kennelmate Special Star right behind him, and Slingshot Rusty coming across from box 8.
As they headed into the turn it looked like Slingshot Rusty might be the one. In fact as they straightened he got half a length in front, but Apollo Speed dug deep and railed back under the leader to grab him on the line for a half-length win in 19.56s.
Apollo Speed has the phenomenal record of 21 wins from 36 starts at Goulburn. He has only ever raced at one other track, and that was a sole run at Grafton in the Thunderbolt heats back in June this year.
