Big Sam Junior announced Greyhound of the Year

Media release
18 September 2006

Big Sam Junior announced Greyhound of the Year

Big Sam Junior, owned by Australian-based Lend Us and trained by Huntly trainers Denis and David Schofield, was the recipient of the Greyhound of the Year Award announced at Greyhound Racing New Zealand's annual awards dinner on Saturday.

The Greyhound of the Year Award recognises the excellence of a particular greyhound through the racing year. Big Sam Junior won 15 races in the past season, just ahead of the runners up to the award Prince Toshack (owned by Gloria and Arch Lawrence) who won 11 races and Winsome Gem (owned by Robin Wales, Graeme Campbell and Ronald Todd) who registered 14 victories.

GRNZ chief executive Lance Bickford said that the three nominees for the award were all worthy candidates.

"Big Sam Junior is a really exciting greyhound to watch and although he had a bit of a slow start to his racing career in New Zealand, he has certainly proven his ability and I'm sure his owners and trainers are very pleased with his form."

Other top awards announced on Saturday included the Young Achiever of the Year which went to Jonathan McInerney from Homebush Kennels in Darfield; Personality of the Year which went to Peter Earley who is a well-known race caller and radio personality; and Trainer of the Year which was won by John McInerney who has taken out the award for the past 6 years.

Mr Bickford said the annual awards were an opportunity to recognise the achievements of greyhound owners and trainers and to celebrate the successes of the past year.

"There is certainly a lot to celebrate this year as our racing dogs get better and better and we continue to attract new people into the industry. We have also seen greyhound racing grow substantially and this is credit to the excitement that the dogs generate on race night," he said.

Over 150 people attended the awards at the Novotel Hotel in Palmerston North.

ENDS

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