Entain continue to be the standard bearers for rewarding connections in graded racing. This month, each track has announced a series of awards to celebrate exceptional performances from graded greyhounds.
This year’s awards have been categorized into three distinct honours: Most Graded Races, Most Graded Wins, and the coveted Graded Greyhound of the Year for each track.
Karen McMillan, Stadia Manager at Romford commented, “Here at Entain, we like to recognise and reward where we can. Not only our people, but also our wonderful greyhounds.
“Introducing various awards such as dog/bitch of the month, hat tricks & a couple of years ago the end of year awards such as Graded Greyhound of the Year has proved very popular.
“Second Captain trained by Katie O’flaherty is a very worthy winner this year.”
The winners were meticulously selected by each Racing Manager, reflecting the exceptional performance and dedication of the greyhounds and their connections.
Most Graded Races 2023
Crayford: Slaney Marabella – Trainer Kerry Daly, Owner Miss K Daly
Romford: Roll On Queenie – Trainer Paul Young, Owner Roll On Syndicate
Hove: Sharp Bobby – Trainer Seamus Cahill, Owner Sharp Lads
Monmore: Winterfield Kell – Trainer Chris Jones, Owner Mr C Jones
Most Graded Wins 2023
Crayford: Galley Impact – Trainer Nick Carter, Owner Premier Racing
Romford: Crohane Majic – Trainer John Simpson, Owners Mr. L. Aylward, Miss. J. A. Hughes, Mr. P. A. James, Mr. L. J. Kelly
Hove: Landers Reach – Trainer Derek Knight, Owners Mr A J Duckett, Mr S J Porter & Mrs J K Porter
Graded Greyhound of the Year
Crayford: Moaning Zoff – Trainer Darren Whitton, Owner Mr D Perkins
Romford: Second Captain – Trainer Katie O’Flaherty, Owner Mr E Freshwater
Hove: Yassoo Spike – Trainer George Andreas, Owner Mr G Andreas
Monmore: Barnfield Barra – Trainer Kim Billingham, Owner Mr N Parkes
The connections of the winning greyhounds are invited to attend the presentation events at their respective racecourses.
The celebrations will include a table for four in the restaurant, marking a perfect occasion to honour the achievements.
Assistant trainer to Derek Knight, Maria Ansbro, was delighted by the award given to Landers Reach at Hove. “Landers Reach, known as Nora in the kennel, has been a smashing little bitch, she took a while to get the hang of things, but once she won her first race, she soon climbed the grades and has now won 20 of her 70 races!
“The owners were given Nora early on in her career as she never reached her breeders expectations!
“She’s a happy little bitch who loves life, racing and Sundays when her owners Julie and Simon come to the kennels with treats!
“Owners love trophies and this one is special as she has won the award for Entains most graded wins of the year for 2023!
The third owner is Andrew Duckett, who Maria says is “always there to see her run.”
Landers Reach is a classy sprinter; a white and blue Jan ‘21 bitch by Droopys Gold out of Westmead Lola. While she has found the 500m at Hove too stiff a test above A8, she has taken a liking to the 285m sprints at the seaside venue, competing in and winning Open Races. ‘Nora’ recorded her best time over the sprint distance on the 16th Feb ‘24, sweeping to victory in a D1 in 16.37secs (calculated). Currently she is in great form. 2 more wins in May has taken her tally to 5 in 2024 and a strike rate of 34%.
Lena Birch stadia manager at Hove added, “we have found our awards to be very successful & feedback has been great from owners & trainers.
“The 4 stadia managers discuss regularly what we can introduce to our tracks to ensure we are promoting our sport, look out for more awards coming soon.”
