Celebrating Women in the WA Greyhound Racing Industry for International Women’s Day
In recognition of International Women’s Day today, Racing and Wagering Western Australia is profiling some of the successful women within in the WA racing industry and their stories.
Being an industry steeped in rich history, it is not surprising to see women amongst the pioneers of our sport. In addition, the industry continues to see modern day ambassadors blazing their own trail.
The following women were all recognised for their contribution to the greyhound racing industry at the inaugural Ladies of Chasing Awards in 2020.
Linda Britton
Linda Britton is one of the biggest and most successful greyhound identities.
When Linda was nine years old, her father Allan Britton bought his first greyhound and went on to become one of the best trainers in Victoria. His children followed in his footsteps – Linda and her two brothers have all become top trainers in their own right.
Linda’s father was inducted into the Victorian Greyhound Racing Hall of Fame after 50 years of involvement in the industry.
From 1999, Linda was the leading trainer at Cannington for many years. In 2007, Linda was rated Australia’s Leading Trainer by National Greyhound Form, and in 2012 she was inducted into the Western Australian Racing Industry Hall of Fame for her achievements.
One of Linda’s best greyhounds was Paradise Street, which she trained to victory in the Group 2 National Distance Championship at Cannington in 1998. For fourteen subsequent years, Paradise Street was Western Australia’s only victor in this race. There is no Group race on the Western Australian greyhound racing calendar that Linda has not won – including two Perth Cups, five Galaxies and six Mandurah Cups.
Linda has trained close to 5,000 winners and is associated with some of Western Australia’s greatest ever chasers including Reggemite, the inaugural winner of the Shootout at Sandown, and Western Australian Stars such as Billy The Duck, Jennev and Cobram Storm. She also trained Group 1 Perth Cup winners with Wynlee Supreme (1992) and Bliss Bale (1999) and had Group 1 Galaxy success with Paradise Street (1998), Harvard Bale (1999), Jennev (2002), Winter (2004) and Western Land (2009).
At the inaugural Ladies of Chasing Awards in 2020 Linda won the Leadership Award for displaying leadership qualities, trail-blazing in promoting the Western Australian greyhound racing industry and being an ambassador for the sport. Linda has been applauded for inspiring and empowering other women to build a rewarding career in the industry.
Cheryl Isaac
Cheryl Isaac is well known to participants in the Western Australian greyhound racing industry for her commitment to rehoming retired greyhounds.
The daughter of prominent Western Australian trainer Lexia Isaac, Cheryl has grown up around greyhounds and her love of the breed is clear for all to see.
Cheryl was recognised for this in 2018 when she received the inaugural Kerry Vernon Award for Excellence in Greyhound Welfare at the Greyhound of the Year Awards. The award went to Cheryl for her unwavering dedication to ensuring greyhounds are afforded every opportunity to succeed post-racing and for her support of the Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) program.
In 2020, Cheryl also received the Greyhound Welfare Award at the Ladies of Chasing Awards and was commended for the level of care she provides to the greyhounds she looks after, as well as her enthusiasm and drive to promote greyhounds as pets to the wider community.
Cheryl’s experience in the greyhound welfare and rehoming areas also earnt her a place on the Western Australian Greyhound Racing Association Board in 2020, bringing her skill set to compliment the range of experience on the Board.
Cheryl is regularly seen on race night wandering in the crowd with retired greyhounds showing race goers just how friendly and approachable the greyhounds are and is a wonderful ambassador for our sport.
Kathy Scott
Kathy Scott is another well-known figure in the Western Australian greyhound racing scene, from breeding and training to rehoming and fundraising.
Her significant contribution to the greyhound industry was recognised in 2020 when she received the Dedication to Greyhound Industry Award at the Ladies of Chasing Awards. She has been celebrated for her knowledge and successes in all facets of the industry.
In 2017, Kathy returned to Western Australia after living in Victoria for many years and began to build up her team of greyhounds again.
Kathy has a special connection to the Northam Anniversary Cup having trained the first ever winner of the race, Rip Van Rosco in 1997, and the second ever winner of the event in 1998, After Lunch.
Kathy has been a constant source of positivity and support for fellow industry members and her in-depth knowledge of the breed and the people involved is a huge asset for the local industry.
Kelly Frampton
Kelly Frampton has dedicated over 20 years of her career to support the greyhound racing code in Western Australia, including roles as the Marketing Officer and Restaurant Coordinator for Greyhounds WA.
Kelly has been praised for her positive attitude and exceptional skills in her marketing, events, and administrative role, and was recognised for this when she was awarded the Ladies in Chasing Administration Award in 2020.
Kelly has been a valuable member of the Greyhounds WA team for a significant period of time and maintains her great love for the industry and the greyhounds themselves.
Linda, Cheryl, Kathy and Kelly are a demonstration of the vast and vital roles women play within the industry and are a demonstration of the quality of female talent in Western Australia,
To all of our ladies – happy International Women’s Day!