WE begin the countdown to greyhound racing’s night of the year – the GBGB Greyhound of the Year Awards at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London, on Sunday, January 27 – by looking at those stars of the track who have made the list of nominations for the various award categories.

We start with the British Bred Greyhound of the Year 2018 – Geelo Monty, King Elvis and King Turbo – and talk to the trainers of each of the runners about how the year panned out for their charges, and their chances of taking the award.

Last year’s British Bred Greyhound of the Year was King Elvis, who went on to claim the overall Greyhound of the Year title. Liz McNair’s dog is nominated again along with kennelmate King Turbo. Carl Perry’s Geelo Monty completes this esteemed trio.

GEELO MONTY

bk d Ballymac Eske – Macys Perfect, May 2015

Trainer: Carl Perry, Sheffield

Owner: Geelo Racing

Breeder: Carl Perry

Claims to fame: Won the BGBF British Bred Derby at Sheffield, having also reached the semi-final of the British Breeders Stakes at Nottingham.

Trainer says: “Winning the British Bred Derby was the perfect way to end his career – we retired him straight afterwards. It was tough to get him back racing at that level – he had a shoulder problem – but is all heart and remains special to us. He was bred here and stays here in retirement. He had lots of speed and won the BGBF Puppy Cup the previous year, but the older he got the stronger he became. We’re delighted to be nominated.”

KING ELVIS

bkw d Tullymurry Act – Skate On, Oct 2015

Trainer: Liz McNair, Central Park

Owner: KSS Syndicate

Breeder: KSS Syndicate

Claims to fame: Runner-up in the ‘The Hawk’ Henlow Derby, having also reached the finals of the Gold Cups at Towcester and Monmore, the Sunderland Classic and Yarmouth Derby. Made the quarter-finals of the Derby.

Trainer says: “It was always going to be difficult to repeat last year when he was Greyhound of the Year, but he did us proud again. Turbo kept on getting the better of him in the finals – and if we had our time again perhaps we’d have split them up! He ran great at Henlow to almost win the title there again, and conditions at Sunderland went against my two in the final there. Either way, this dog has so much speed. He’s brilliant.”

KING TURBO

bk d Leamaneigh Turbo – Wee Tiger Tots, Nov 2015

Trainer: Liz McNair, Central Park

Owner: KSS Syndicate

Breeder: KSS Syndicate

Claims to fame: Won four Category One titles in 2018 – the Gold Cups at Towcester and Monmore, the Olympic at Hove and the Kent Derby at Central Park. He also won the British Bred Stakes at Towcester on Derby final night, afterwards also reaching the final of the Sunderland Classic.

Trainer says: “It’s been a fantastic year and winning those titles was amazing. Hove capped the year – it was a great finish and gives him a chance in the Greyhound of the Year. Thanks to Brendan (Keogh, KSS Syndicate) and the lads for putting their faith in us. Turbo and all the team did great. It’ll be the Trainers’ Championship, then we’ll see about the Derby. Last year might have been his year, but at least now we have a choice.”

The winners will be presented with their awards at the GBGB Awards 2018 which will be held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on Sunday, January 27, 2019 click here for more information

http://www.gbgb.org.uk/news/2/2019/1/1086/Ticket-Information–GBGB-Greyhound-of-the-Year-Awards–Sunday-27th-January-2019