Hello Mike Wins Drama-Charged Gold Bullion

Race favourite Hello Mike secured an emotion-charged victory in Thursday night's Group 1 Gold Bullion Final (520m) at Albion Park.

In an action-packed finale to the $250,000-to-the-winner series, Hello Mike handed rising star of the Queensland training ranks Travis Elson the biggest win of his blossoming career.

Son of greyhound racing stalwarts Bill and Cyndie Elson, who guided the career of champion Cyndie's Magic, Travis was handed Hello Mike to train back in September by his parents, at a time where Bill's ongoing health battles with dementia were intensifying.

But in a night to truly savour the Elson clan were out in full force for last night's group 1 decider, with Hello Mike keeping up his end of the bargain, rallying late to score in the $375,000 showpiece.

HELLO MIKE – HELLO GOLD BULLION ?

With grit and determination the Travis Elson-trained chaser Hello Mike launches up the inside at the final turn to snare the $375,000 Group 1 Gold Bullion! What a win ?@BrisGreys pic.twitter.com/L7ovc4Ajx9

— RaceQ (@RaceQLD) February 2, 2023

"Lost for words – what a dog," Elson beamed after the race.

"He just doesn't know when he's beaten. I thought we were in trouble there for a while but you never give up on this bloke. He's just a very special animal."

In a dramatic finish, early leader Times Three and the fast looming Jay Is Jay came together rounding the home turn when appearing likely to fight the race out.

Yet it was Hello Mike powering home along the rails which ultimately scored, the $250,000 first prize ballooning his stake earnings past the $300,000 mark.

Meanwhile in the Group 3 Garrards Gold Cup (710m) it was an all-the-way victory to classy Victorian stayer Mepunga Ruby.

The Jeff Britton-trained star made a one act affair of the $100,000-to-the-winner decider, leading throughout to win her 25th race and see her prizemoney surge past $550,000.

Finishing second was a gallant Korda to hand Britton the quinella while local Sorority ran a grand race at big odds to finish third.