By Jordan Gerrans 
Sweet Dolly’s owner has revealed her private pain and financial woes that have been eased on the back of the brilliant filly’s unbeaten start to her career.
Just days after the Rockhampton filly made it 4-0 by claiming the QTIS Jewel 2YO crown on the Gold Coast, owner Michelle Walker says her family’s money concerns due to health bills for her husband Ken’s worsening condition are hopefully a thing of the past.
Ken Walker has been battling dementia and Parkinson’s disease for the last six years, with his condition worsening every month, Michelle says.
The Walker’s have had to live off their superannuation at times over the years, with Michelle unable to work as she cares for Ken while he was unable to receive the disability pension for some time also.
With $477,750 in the bank from Sweet Dolly’s brilliant start to her career, the Walkers have had some weight taken from their shoulders.
“Ken and I have got to live off that,” Walker said about the $300,000 prize from Saturday’s QTIS Jewel.
“We went through a lot of our superannuation before he could get the disabled pension, we did that for two years, living off our own super.
“It was a hard slog and Dolly is starting to replace some of the money we spent.
“We have got something to look forward to now and the money eases the pressure on us.”
Countless big money offers came in for Sweet Dolly in the lead-up to the feature Jewel, but the Walker’s and trainer Kevin Hansen kept knocking them back.
It was reported that an offer of $400,000 from an Australian buyer came towards the Walkers, but with Ken’s health concerns – Sweet Dolly was always staying put.
“She was never for sale and the perspective buyers have accepted that now,” she said.
Sweet Dolly’s regular rider Justin Stanley says he loves working with the Walker’s and Hansen.
“They are some of the best people you will ever meet,” Stanley said.
“I am so glad I am on this ride with them and hopefully there is a bit more to come with the filly.”
On the Real Saga filly, Walker describes her as a really special racehorse, she could not ask for anything more and the Jewel crown is yet to completely sink in.
She is likely to go for a break now and come back later in 2021 and target a race or two in the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival.
With Ken’s ongoing battles, Sweet Dolly’s unbeaten start to her career has provided him with an outlet and positive experience.
“It has given Ken something to follow,” Michelle said.