KING SHEERAN was voted best of British at the 2019 GBGB Greyhound of the Year Awards on Sunday as Liz McNair’s multiple big-race winner picked up the SIS British Bred Greyhound of the Year honour.

Trained by McNair and husband Rab for the KSS Syndicate, the Feb 2017 son of Eden The Kid and Skate On won the BGBF British Bred Derby at Sheffield, the BGBF Produce Stakes at Swindon and end-of-season Coral Greyhound Olympic at Hove.

“The Olympic win was probably the most satisfying given it was a top-class field, but remember this dog came back from a broken hock to reach the Derby semi-finals. It’s been a great recovery and this dog is a real winner,” said Rab McNair.

“Brendan (Keogh) and Simon (Senyk) are fantastic guys to work for – and it’s great to win so many races for them. As always, it’s the Derby we’re aiming for. We’re breeding, rearing and training these dogs and bitches to be the best they can. It’s going well.”

Oaks champion Bull Run Byte was named GBGB Bitch of the Year for trainer Kevin Hutton and owner Gilbert Anderson, much to the delight of last year’s Derby-winning handler who understands how important her Swindon success was.

“It’s the bitches’ Classic, so we knew we had a chance, but you never know! I’m just delighted for Gilbert, who’s such a loyal supporter to the kennel. We had a fabulous evening in London and it was great to lift our second Bitch of the Year title after Droopys Danneel (2013). That’s some act to follow!”

Dorando Marathon champion Micks Little Gem was named SIS Marathon Performer of the Year for Michelle Brown as the kennel doubled up in the category won by Slippy Maggie in 2018 – much to the delight of the Henlow trainer.

“She’s a real star and it was fantastic to hear she’d won,” said Brown. “Mum and dad (Hazel and Michael Kemp) were there on the night – they had a good time, wish was there too! – but it was a good weekend with her winning on Saturday at Crayford.”

Troy Bella emerged triumphant in one of the most competitive categories as the David Mullins-trained, Mick Gollogly-owned National Sprint winner edged Droopys Reel and Coolavanny Dylan to take the crown.

“He won 17 races in the year and raced throughout the year – the Notts win was the icing on the cake!” said the Romford trainer. “It’s made up for last year when he missed out from the nominations. It meant we took nothing for granted this year!”

Droopys Live struck for Angela Harrison and owners John Hardman, JD Maragh, Paul Maragh and Emma Wright in the Racing Post Greyhound TV Stayer of the Year category – and connections were ecstatic!

“Paul (Maragh) loved it – he was literally doing somersaults up to the stage!” said winning trainer Harrison. “Birdy deserved the award – she won the most open races in the year in the best company and I’m delighted for her owners – they love her, as we do.”

Ricky Holloway celebrated a third straight GBGB Hurdler of the Year title as Turnhouse Jet took the title after his RPGTV Champion Hurdle success at Central Park – and the major hurdles prizes at the Kent track will again be targeted.

Holloway said: “First off, we’ll try and keep his unbeaten run going. He’s up to 12 at the moment and the plan is to trial and then race at Central Park soon – if we can get five hurdlers to take him on!

“He just improved throughout the year and it was great to see Mark (Cottle, owner) and the lads from Scotland down here having a ball! A personal thanks also goes to the Greyhound Writers’ Association for voting for all my winners.

“It spurs me on to achieve an even higher level each year.”