SA Trots - Routleys puts the love in Luv Me Or Hate Me

AGE is proving no barrier for Luv Me Or Hate Me.

In fact, if anything, Luv Me Or Hate Me appears to be getting better as the years go on.

Making his debut as a two-year-old in June 2014, the gelding notched seven wins during the next eight seasons.

Since reaching double digits, Luv Me Or Hate Me has registered 10 victories, including four in 2024 as a 12-year-old!

Gifted to 81-year-old horseman Keith Routley last December, Luv Me Or Hate Me races "almost on a weekly basis", with his latest triumph coming at Globe Derby last Monday.

"He's just an old gem, which gives his all every time he steps out," Routley said. "I put him around almost on a weekly basis and he just does what he does.

"Age isn't a problem with him as he's going as good as ever...a lot of us old timers still have plenty in them."

With Lisa Ryan holding the reins, Luv Me Or Hate Me was settled two-back in the running line from barrier nine as Give Us A Wink led from gate four.

Taken three-wide along the back straight, the son of Life Sign sustained a strong sprint to score from the pacemaker, with Childers Road a metre-and-a-half away third.

"I gave him a good chance before the race, but was a little worried when Lisa had to make her move early with him," Routley said. "He kept plugging away though and got the job done.

"He's pulled up fine as he always does and I've nominated him for Globe Derby next Tuesday night."