GOLDIES HOTSPUR is the first winner of the relaunched GWA/RPGTV Greyhound of the Month award for January.

The award, voted on by RPGTV viewers from a shortlist of greyhounds decided upon by the Greyhound Writers’ Association, was won by the Patrick Janssens-trained, Andy Pelley-owned marathon star on the back on some impressive efforts during the month.

Winner of three marathons by an aggregate winning distance of 15 lengths in January, the recent Golden Jacket third and 2017 TV Trophy winner saw off opposition from Coolavanny Dylan, kennelmate Desperado Dan and Swift Biscuit.

“It was great to hear she’d won,” said trainer Janssens. “Lily has been one of the most consistent greyhounds I’ve ever trained. She never runs a bad race, and we saw that again during the Golden Jacket recently.

“But her form in January was also top notch. She did nothing wrong, and I’m delighted for her and Andy (Pelley, owner),” he added. “We both felt she deserved a nomination in the marathon category at the Awards, but this will do certainly!”

Owner Pelley, also delighted to have picked up the prize following the vote, says the January 2015 daughter of Aero Majestic and Slick Sapphire – the 2017 GBGB Marathon Performer of the Year – is a pleasure to own.

He said: “Lily always gives her best and always makes you feel you’re in with a chance whenever you watch her run. She’s a credit to the hard work of the team and I’m hugely grateful to Patrick and Cheryl Janssens, Ria, Marcus, Pete and Ron Mills for everything they do.

“I love having dogs trained by them – the care for the dogs and their passion for the sport is just brilliant – and the results on the track prove that. We’re delighted to be a part of Patrick’s strong start to the year and Lily (Goldies Hotspur) has played her part.

“She ran great at Crayford and, with better luck, might have really given Stardom and Towcester Story something to think about!” he added. “Either way a Golden Jacket third and second (last year) adds to her impressive career record.”

Jonathan Hobbs, GWA chairman, said: “Well done to Goldies Hotspur, Patrick and his team and Andy. She had a great start to the year and has been one of the best and most successful marathon performers of recent years.

“She won the TV Trophy in 2017, having been third in the St Leger, then last year won the Mitch Millward Marathon, plus reached a number of finals including the Golden Jacket, Yorkshire St Leger, and finished second in both the TV Trophy and Boxing Day Marathon.

“There were fastest times of the year also, and that form continued into January. She was exceptional at Romford in those first races of the year. She deserved the nomination, as did Coolavanny Dylan, Desperado Dan and Swift Biscuit. Well done all.”

*NOMINATIONS for the GWA/RPGTV Greyhound of the Month award for February will be released shortly.