Warrnambool Cup Triumph ‘Not About The Money'

MICHELLE Mallia has celebrated multiple Group 1 wins, but Matt Loch's against-the-odds victory in the G2 Warrnambool Cup Final on Wednesday night might just be her most special moment in greyhound racing.

Matt Loch's scorching 24.99 triumph crowned a miraculous return from injury, while it was karma for Mallia's generosity in donating shares in her Cup hero to two young men living with disability.

Big-hearted Mallia gave a 25 per cent share to Matt Field and nine-year-old Lachlan Barsby, who have spina bifida and cerebral palsy, respectively.

A well-related December '21 son of Aussie Infrared and Stepping, also bred by Avalon-based Mallia, Matt Loch is named after his two part-owners, who also live in the Geelong region.

"Absolutely. It's definitely right up there," said Mallia after claiming her second country cup crown for 2024.

"Sometimes it's not just about the money.

What superstar MATTLOCH on winning the Warrnambool cup super proud of him

— Matthew Field (@mattylovesdogs) May 1, 2024

"To give shares to two young boys that have been given a raw deal in life, it's an absolute joy to see the smiles it puts on their faces."

Unfortunately, Matt Loch's proud part-owners weren't trackside at Warrnambool, but that didn't detract from the excitement or gratitude it generated.

"It's a magnificent gesture from Michelle," said Lachie's grandfather John Barsby, a 47-year trainer/breeder.

"I've known Michelle for a good 15 years. I was Secretary/Treasurer at the Werribee Coursing Club from 1987 until 2009 and Michelle used to bring her dogs there.

"How Lachie got involved in Matt Loch was just a stroke of luck.

"One Friday night last year, the family decided to go to the Geelong dogs and Lachie wanted to come along. That was when Michelle met Lachie and asked if he'd like a share in a dog she had coming up.

"To see Lachie's face light up when we talk about Matt Loch or when he watches his races is really a great feeling."

Matt Field has previously been the beneficiary of Mallia's kindness when gifted a stake in Group placegetter Matt's Hope, winner of 31 races and $128,193 in prizemoney.

Matt Loch's 2.5 length victory over favourite Morton at his first appearance in a Group event was his 12^th win from 25 starts and boosted his earnings to $94,725.

Incredibly, he's won seven of his last nine in breathtaking fashion since returning from a career-threatening injury.

"Five months ago this dog suffered a horrifying injury and I was told he would never race again," Mallia explained.

"He ripped the tendon right off the stopper bone.

"I was shattered because I knew how good he was. I cried for about three days!

"His career was as good as done, so to see him come back and win a Group race is phenomenal.

"I just took my time with him and lasered him every single day for five months, because I knew he was worth the effort. 

"I've also got to thank Anthony Azzopardi for his help and advice in getting the dog back. I've got so much respect for Anthony.

"It's also very exciting because I trained Matt Loch's grandmother, Hope's Thunder, and whelped his mother Stepping."