Ludwig runner up for challenge of Country Cups final
TOLGA trainer Ricky Ludwig moved to Far North Queensland to retire before the racing bug bit hard.
Now the 69-year-old hopes to return to Brisbane for the $200,000 Country Cups Challenge Final over 1600m at Doomben next month.
But first Lord Of Light will need to qualify for the rich final when he steps out in the Country Cups Challenge Qualifier over 1760m at Cooktown on Saturday.
Ludwig trained for many years at Beaudesert, south of Brisbane, before moving to Malanda, near Tolga several years ago.
He now trains a team of four horses including Lord Of Light and star sprinter Bank Bank Bank at Tolga.
Ludwig is confident Lord Of Light can bounce back from a last start sixth to Wise Dragon in a Class Six over 1400m at Cairns on October 30.
“It was a fair run, but he needed it as it was his first start for seven weeks,” the trainer said.
“He probably should have run a place that day and he’s looking for further.
“He won the Mareeba Cup over 2000m and he’ll be a lot better suited over 1760m.
“If he wins at Cooktown, he’ll probably go down for the final, but it’s a bad time of the year as it’s very hot travelling horses down there.
“He’ll need to win easily to go as the final is only 1600m and it might be a bit short for him.”
Ludwig received a substantial offer on Tuesday for Bank Bank Bank, who is unbeaten in six starts in north Queensland.
“I got another phone call from Hong Kong to buy Bank Bank Bank, but it’s a bit short of what I want and they’ll need to come up a bit,” he said. “He’s the best horse I’ve ever trained. “Realistically, I’d probably sell him for the right money, but I’m in two minds as I love racing and winning.”