Incredible Night At Gosford To Celebrate Troy's Life

In a year that has delivered heartbreak to so many, for the greyhound racing industry, undoubtedly the most shattering news occurred in August when at the age of just 38, Central Coast trainer Troy Donaldson tragically passed away in his sleep.

Troy, a father of three, was considered one of the most promising young trainers in NSW, and climbed to the summit of the sport back in January 2020, when he won his first Group 1, preparing Oh Mickey to win the National Derby at Wentworth Park.

On Tuesday night at Gosford, the track where he trained so many winners - his local - the greyhound community came together to remember Troy, and to raise funds for his partner Chrystal and his children Charlie, Jett and Scarlett.

The Donaldson Family Benefit night was organised by local participant, and regular fundraiser Raelee Shearer, and as the close knit greyhound community always does, the real spirit, camaraderie and generosity of the industry was to the fore on a special night.

Numerous items were donated to be auctioned or raffled on the night, and by the completion of the evening, a total of $49,557 had been raised for Troy’s family.

“I want to thank everyone who contributed to what was a marvellous night, and particularly to Raelee Shearer for all her efforts,” Greyhound Breeders. Owners, and Trainers Association (GBOTA) General Manager Steve Noyce said.

“On one hand the sport is a competitive individual sport, on the other hand when the chips are down or people need support, this sport embraces like no other industry or family I have seen before. 

“The minute I walked on the track last night I felt a good vibe, and watching people generously contribute … there were no questions about what the prizes were or what will I win. Everyone just wanted to contribute.

“And it was just amazing when Chrystal’s dog won the first race there was a huge cheer, it was just incredible.”

Troy would have been proud of his family, not only for their strength to carry on, but also their achievements with their greyhounds.

Chrystal had four runners engaged on the night. Highway Star won that first race on the card, Trudy Judy took out the second and then Bones McCoy won race 4, appropriately named the Gosford Branch Farewells Troy. 

Chrystal also picked up a third with her other runner for the night, Bruce Mick Glenn in race 9. 

Bruce Mick Glenn was the last dog that Troy nominated for a race, at Gosford, run two days after he passed away. 

The dog led throughout and there was not a dry eye at the track that night, and while the dog was transferred into Chrystal’s name to run that night, most consider Bruce Mick Glenn, Troy Donaldson’s last winner.