McNeo added to his faultless record from box 1 when taking out Thursday night’s Ron Nestor Memorial.
He flew out of the inside alley to lead first time past the post and gained a comfortable break down the back straight. A late challenge from She’s Got Grace wasn’t enough to snare the $12,000 first prize as McNeo held on to win by 1¼ lengths in 29.38. The win added to his undefeated streak from the coveted box 1, having now strung together six from six.
“He finds and extra leg out of the red. Luckily he’s drawn the box in his last three starts,” said trainer Rob Neocleous.
“He’s always shown a lot of ability as a pup. He’s run good time around his home track (Traralgon), to run the time he has tonight doesn’t surprise me.”
McNeo’s mother Ruby Ha Ha was also owned and raced by Neocleous and his wife Wendy, who have been involved in greyhound racing for decades.
“I’ve been training for 42 years. When I was younger I played footy and other sports but I gave that up, got married and wanted something to keep me fit. So I got a greyhound. I was 19 at the time and I’m 61 now.”
Heats of the Ron Nestor Memorial are held at both Victorian metropolitan tracks with the final alternating between the two. Ron Nestor was involved in greyhound racing for 60 years and played many significant roles. Between 1954-2001 he held numerous administrative positions within the National Coursing Association and was also a Director of the Greyhound Racing Control Board, now known as Greyhound Racing Victoria.
PAW NOTE: Neocleous’ night took a turn when Harlon injured his back muscles in race 8 – he recieved treatment Friday morning and will remain with the family until full recovery.
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McNeo takes out the Ron Nestor Memorial
