By Mike Hill

\”ROBERT and Peter were great mates and I want to continue the family connection with the race,\” says Judy Olsen.

Olsen has taken over the sponsorship of a special support race at this month\’s Townsville Cup Carnival – the $2625 Judy Olsen Maiden (380m).

Over the years the race has been sponsored by the Judge Bros – a Townsville electrical operation.

\”The Judge Bros, through manager Peter, gave the money and we, through my husband Robert, gave the trophy,\” said Judy.

\”After they sold the business the race became known as the Judge Family Maiden, but Peter has decided to pull out of the sponsorship this year.

\”I had a discussion with my kids and they said \’go for it\’, so I have decided to give the money, trophy and rug this year.

\”Robert, who passed away in December, 2015, and Peter had been great mates for many years and I wanted to keep the family connection with the race.

\”We always gave a clock as the trophy.

\”Robert was a clock person. I don\’t know why, he just loved clocks and he would always buy a clock if he had to give someone a present.\”

Olsen, who had been an electrician with the Queensland Railway for many years, loved his greyhounds and was well-known in the north along with other members of the Olsen family.

\”He used to name his dogs after people special to him or after people who had passed on,\” said Judy.

\”The last dog he trained he named Henry Judge in honour of his great mate\’s son.\”

The Townsville club also stages the Robert Olsen Memorial for maidens in January each year.

The race was first run in 2017 and in a remarkable finish was quinellaed by Olsen\’s brother Glen with Whatta Pass beating its kennelmate and the sentimental race favourite Brother Rob.