ROLE MODELS CELEBRATED AT THE 2022 LADIES OF CHASING AWARDS
Four outstanding women of the Western Australian greyhound racing community have been recognised at this year’s Ladies of Chasing Awards.
Around 100 attendees gathered to highlight women’s achievements in the following categories: leadership, welfare, dedication to greyhound racing and administration.
The event saw one of WA’s leading greyhound racing trainers, Krystal Shinners, win the leadership award.
Krystal has proven herself to be a valuable role model for young members of the community starting their journey in greyhound racing.
With a winning strike rate of 36 per cent, Krystal’s success this season included two spots in the prestigious Road to the Phoenix, an opportunity which paved the way for local stars to mark their mark on the national scene.
It was not just Krystal’s excellent performance on the track that was applauded. Off the track, Krystal was recognised for consistently acting with the highest levels of integrity and for being a passionate advocate for the sport.
The greyhound welfare award went to Cheryl Isaac, who has dedicated her life to rehoming greyhounds and setting the highest standards of care for the canine athletes.
Cheryl is the driving force behind Zoomie Land, a recent initiative designed to further support greyhounds adjust to their new lives as pets.
Created by Greyhounds WA, Zoomie Land is a new play area for retired greyhounds at Cannington where greyhounds can run off-lead in a controlled space, enabling families and their new pets to socialise.
May Leach, a highly respected trainer and figure in WA greyhound racing, was presented with the dedication to greyhound racing award for being a pivotal asset to the racing community.
May’s involvement dates back to the early days of greyhound racing where she has bred, reared and trained greyhounds for over four decades. Her continued passion and dedication for greyhounds has never wavered.
The administration award went to Stephanie Catchpole, who has been involved in greyhound racing for over 40 years.
Stephanie has been a representative on multiple committees including consultative groups for Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) and Greyhounds WA, where she has held senior positions, and she continues to be a passionate advocate for the racing community.
RWWA Chief Racing Officer Charlotte Mills said she was honoured to acknowledge the vital and diverse roles women play in greyhound racing as pioneers and trailblazers of the sport.
“Today we celebrated the outstanding contribution of women in WA greyhound racing,” Charlotte said.
“It was an honour to reflect on the hard work and achievements of these incredible women, and to hear how their successes have inspired the next generation to aim for a rewarding career in racing.”
The Ladies of Chasing Awards were held at Millbrook Estate in Jarrahdale.
L-R: Charlotte Mills (Accepting on behalf of May Leach) Cheryl Isaac, Krystal Shinners and Stephanie Catchpole.