Matt Loch’s victory in the Group 2 Sportsbet Warrnambool Cup wasn’t only a track record performance, but one for the history books.
1963 was the last time a greyhound recorded back-to-back Warrnambool Cups (Indian Fighter). 62 years later, Matt Loch has done just that.
A winner of 29 races from 53 starts, the son of Aussie Infrared and Stepping is bred, owned and trained by Mallia.
Matt Loch broke Dutch Riot’s 450 metre track record of 24.66 seconds set in 2023, lowering it to 24.64 seconds with his all the way Group 2 Victory.
“He’s just a tough dog,” trainer Michelle Mallia said.
“He was traveling nice and just gives 100 percent week in, week out.”
Matt Loch (2) wins the Sportsbet Warrnambool Cup in a track record time of 24.636 seconds over the 450 metres.
In what only can be described as a selfless act, Mallia gifts a portion of Matt Loch’s prize money to two of the sport’s biggest fans. 10-year-old Lachlan Barsby who has Cerebral Palsy and Matthew Fields who has Spina Bifida.
So far, the gifted funds have provided Lachlan with a specialised wheelchair for use on the beach with his family, as well as additional interstate physio.
Matt Loch has now recorded five consecutive victories, amassing more than $275,000 in prize money.
Matt Loch has come a long way since December, where he spent eight days in the vets receiving specialist care for his failing Liver.
“There was a time we didn’t know if he would make it, let alone race again,” Mallia said.
He spent close to three months on the sidelines and has returned in outstanding form with five wins from seven starts.
Vincent Bale earnt himself another strong second placing to Matt Loch tonight, running down Zipping Gryllis who finished third.
Inconspicuous took a tumble early on in the race and tailed the field in.
Reiterate (6) holds off Lanfranco to win the Jack Daffy Memorial (650m) in a time of 37.02 seconds.
Mepunga Shine (2) wins the Stan Lake Memorial (450 metres) for local owner/ breeder Barry Smith, in a time of 24.977 seconds.
