‘Milly’ rewards decades of dedication


Gary Webb’s time in greyhound racing spans over two decades, but it is now that he may have found his most exciting chaser yet.

His own Flying Apollo led from go-to-whoa in the penultimate race at Sandown Park last night. The win was ‘Milly’s’ second on-the-trot after she claimed one at The Meadows last Saturday night, which was the first at city level for her and Webb.

“It’s very pleasing because you put a lot of work into them. Like most hobby trainers, we don’t always have dogs as quick as what she is. Her first two splits are as good as most going around,” he said proudly post-race.

Webb has been involved in greyhound racing for 25 years. For that duration he has considered himself a hobbyist with very few greyhounds in work at one time.

“I recently got out of a HR job, I now work as a painter while training greyhounds.”

He trains at his property at White Hills, a short drive out of Bendigo. Like all greyhound participants, there’s passion for the breed that runs strong within the family.

“All my kids have grown up! They’ve left home and got their professions. One of my sons follows it all very closely – he’s got a couple of dogs with me which is great fun.

Along with support of family, Webb travels and owns greyhounds with his good mate and “right-hand man”, Bob Moncrieff.

“We’ve had many country winners over time. He comes to the races, owns a few and shares the experience.”

Flying Apollo promises to deliver more success for Webb and his team, a ride that they will not be taking for granted.

“It’s an exciting time, I will have a spring in my step tomorrow morning. A lot of people think I’m mad waking up at 5am, but when it’s (involvement with greyhounds) in your blood, it’s like an addiction.”

Earlier in the night TAB Melbourne Cup hero My Redeemer fine tuned preparations for the Hobart Thousand with a brilliant, yet not surprising, win over 595m in a scorching time of 33.90.

Shortly after Cup runner-up Black Opium continued her explosive start to her career, claiming the night’s Free-For-All narrowly over Degani in 29.35. She will next be seen in heats of the Laurels at Sandown Park, Sunday December 9.

Click here for all of last night’s results

Flying Apollo (6) leads all of the way
My Redeemer (1) stunning over 595m
Black Opium (4) continues to impress
Jason Adams
About Jason Adams - Racing Operations Coordinator at Sandown Park. Over 8 years involvement in greyhound racing and one of the sport's biggest and most passionate fans.
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