We begin the countdown to greyhound racing’s night of the year – the GBGB Greyhound of the Year Awards at the Park Plaza, London, on Sunday, January 28 – by looking at those stars of the track who have made the list of nominations for the various award categories.

We start with the Bitch of the Year nominees – Geelo Sapphire, Rubys Razzle and Wuheida – three outstanding racers and big-race winners looking to succeed last year’s champion Domino Storm

Geelo Sapphire

be b Ace Hi Rumble – Droopys Raeh, July 2014

Trainer: Carl Perry

Owner: Geelo Racing

2017 Race record: 21 races, 11 wins

Claims to fame: Geelo Sapphire landed two major successes in 2017 – the Molson Coors 3 Steps To Victory at Sheffield and the Lowther Stakes at Towcester. These earned the ultra-consistent Yorkshire-based bitch a nomination for Bitch of the Year just a matter of days after it was confirmed she heads off to the breeding paddocks after being retired towards the end of the year after an Oaks campaign.

Trainer says: “Sapphire had an amazing year. She landed us our first Category One success at Sheffield, and then did it again at Towcester to cap a fantastic career. We are waiting for her to fall into season and Sapphire will be a key part of us expanding or breeding operation. We’ve got fond memories of the awards having won Sprinter of the Year two years ago with Geelo Vegas.”

Rubys Razzle

bd b Razldazl George – Swift Eva, July 2014

Trainer: Mark Wallis

Owner: John Clarke

2017 Race record: 33 races, 11 wins

Claims to fame: A litter sister of St Leger hero Rubys Rascal, Rubys Razzle herself proved a champion in 2017. Like Geelo Sapphire she landed two major successes in the form of the GMG Prestige at Hall Green and the tigerloanscompany.co.uk Harlow Gold Cup. In between she ran-up to Boylesports Star in the Ladbrokes Golden Jacket and proved extremely durable, winning races from January to December.

Trainer says: “Razzle had a sensational start to 2016, winning the Prestige, then running so well in the Golden Jacket. When you think the Derby winner Astute Missile was in the field for the Harlow final, then that form looks mighty good too! What was special about last year was her durability, and she’ll be back on track in late February. She’s in season now.”

Wuheida

bk b Head Bound – Droopys Thrill, Jan 2016

Trainer: Philip Simmonds

Owners: Amy Hawes, Robin and Melissa Sharp

2017 Race record: 13 races, 9 wins

Claims to fame: Landed her Romford-based trainer a first Classic success in taking the GMG Oaks at Belle Vue in December – becoming a rare puppy winner of the famous competition. She only made her debut at Romford in August, but quickly made her mark. Unlucky in the ECC Timber Puppy Derby at Towcester when crowded out in the semis, she ran unbeaten through the Oaks.

Trainer says: “She came to us from Paul Holland, her breeder, after a couple of trials and we could see she was special when winning a Sky race at Romford. She’s got a real will-to-win and is a wonderful bitch to handle – loving the attention! She’s enjoying a well-earned rest and we’ll look forward to the Derby with her as well as the Lowther Stakes – she runs Towcester very well.”

Last year’s winner: Domino Storm, owned by Kieron King. Trained by Mark Wallis.

Nominations: www.gbgb.org.uk/news/2/2017/12/754/2017-GBGB-Awards-Nominations