Double Twist, Jagger Swagger and Punch One Out have been announced as the nominees for the 2013 NSW Greyhound of the Year.
A panel of judges which included representatives from Fairfax, the Greyhound Recorder, National Greyhound Form and Sky Racing met at the offices of Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) to finalise the nominees last Tuesday.
Double Twist, trained by Garry Edwards at Nowra Hill on the NSW South Coast, had a breakout year in 2013 winning 19 races. This included winning the Group 3 Nowra Puppy Classic and the Group 3 Christmas Gift before Double Twist rounded out the year by breaking the Dapto 520m track record in December.
"I didn't realise just what a year she had until I sat back and looked at what she had achieved," Edwards said.
"When you are racing you don't have time to reflect, but looking back now she won 19 races which is virtually one-and-a-half races a month, plus two Group 3 races and set a new Dapto track record.
"And then to be nominated for the Greyhound Of The Year just topped it off perfectly."
Jagger Swagger, trained at Appin by Mark Azzopardi for most of 2013, was virtually unbeatable at the start of the year. He took part in five group finals and was the dominant greyhound in his age group, achieving the rare feat of winning two derbies in one year after he took out the Group 1 National Derby at Unibet Gardens and the Group 2 Richmond Derby.
"Jagger Swagger had all his luck early in the season," managing part-owner Tyrone Whittington said.
"He's been in Victoria with Wayne Vassallo and was going along well but he's sidelined with a shoulder injury at the moment but hopefully he'll come back okay."
Punch One Out, who is trained by Jason MACKAY at Richmond Vale, stunned greyhound racing fans when she smashed both the Wentworth Park 520m track record and Richmond 535m track record in just over two weeks. Punch One Out competed in five group finals, winning the Group 3 Gold Coast Cup at Albion Park in October.
MACKAY said it was a huge thrill to receive the nomination.
"Her owner Grant Fennelly rang me as soon as it was announced and he was over the moon," he said.
"Punch One Out had a terrific season and to get down to the final three is a big achievement."
The 2013 NSW Greyhound Of The Year will be announced at a gala awards night at the Crystal Palace, Luna Park on Friday 14 March.
Other awards set to be announced on the night include the state’s leading sprinter, stayer, sire, brood bitch, media coverage, volunteer, young person, trainer and club of the year.
The winner of the NSW Run of the Year, which is decided by the public, will also be announced.
Voting is still open for the award - click here to place your vote.
GRNSW Chief Executive Brent Hogan said the sixth recipient of the Allen Wheeler Medal will also be announced on the night.
“The Allen Wheeler Medal has become one of the most popular aspects of the awards night as it recognises an individual who has performed with absolute distinction within the NSW greyhound industry,” Mr Hogan said.
“I look forward to celebrating the best achievements of the sport in NSW at the iconic Luna Park, located right on Sydney Harbour, with both the industry’s participants and supporters.”
Tickets can be purchased for the 2013 NSW Greyhound of the Year Awards by clicking here.
2013 NSW GREYHOUND OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS
Double Twist
Owner: Jason Lymbery
Trainer: Garry Edwards
Location: Nowra Hill
2013 Record: 35:19-7-2
Group Finals: 3 (Won Group 3 Nowra Puppy Classic, Won Group 3 Christmas Gift)
Jagger Swagger
Owner: Tyrone Whittington and Greg Sprod
Trainer: Mark Azzopardi
Location: Appin
2013 Record: 22:11-4-2
Group Finals: 5 (Won Group 1 National Derby, Won Group 2 Richmond Derby, Won Group 3 Bulli Gold Cup)
Punch One Out
Owner: Grant Fennelly
Trainer: Jason MACKAY
Location: Richmond Vale
2013 Record: 25:14-5-2
Group Finals: 5 (Won Group 3 Gold Coast Cup)
