Grand Queenslander In TAB Wins Record Race

CYNTHIA Elson says “old Fred” has been doing it a bit tough in recent starts, taking on some pretty slick youngsters at Albion Park.

But, she's in no mind to retire "Fred", who has a target or two left in him yet despite proving himself one of the most prolific winners of all time.

“Fred” is best known to racegoers as Cosmo Bill the son of Cosmic Chief-Regal Silver which proudly boasts a career of 191 starts for 70 wins, 31 seconds and 18 thirds for $140,000 in stakes.

Like his Northern Rivers counterpart Cosmic Bonus, who is also sitting on 70 wins, he too has Saltwater Bill's TAB winning record of 74 firmly in his sights.

“Yes, wouldn't that be nice,” said Cynthia when asked about Fred's chances of setting such a milestone.

“Let's face it,” said Cynthia. “He's not getting any younger, but there's nothing wrong with him, he loves racing, and is going as good as ever.

“He's just been meeting some really good dogs.”

Cosmo Bill's latest win was back in April. He will turn six in September and has been racing since March 2016.

Cynthia and husband Bill thought back a good while ago the dog was finished when he injured an Achilles tendon.

After a spell, he came back better than ever.

“He is the loveliest dog, beautiful around the kennels, doesn't need any training and always puts in every time he races,” said Bill.

“When he was younger, he was leading 520 metre races, but he soon got out-graded by being put into top grade.

“There are always races on for him these days.”

Cosmo Bill's training routine is different.

“He never liked being put on the walking machine so we did away with that ages ago,” said Bill.

“His training routine is nothing more than being put into a paddock next to the pups. He runs up and down a few times teaching them to gallop.

“And that's it. He doesn't do too much else.”

Bill and Cynthia will not put a retirement date on Cosmo Bill's race career.

They marvel at the dog.

“If a dog wins 10 races, most are doing well with that number,” said Bill.

Cynthia says Bill has even hinted he might register Cosmo Bill for a stud career.

“No, we wouldn't put a service fee on him, but if someone wanted to use him, then that would be great,” she said.

Fred has Saltwater Pete's career win record firmly in his sights. Like Cosmic Bonus, he's only three wins away.

Three wins … that's a career total for some greyhounds!