HomeTommy Shelby Crowned WA Greyhound of the Year for 2020
Tommy Shelby Crowned WA Greyhound of the Year for 2020
March 14, 2021
Greyhound
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Greyhound
The Steve Withers-trained Tommy Shelby received top honours when the chaser was crowned the 2020 WA Greyhound of the Year, at this evening’s awards ceremony at Crown Perth.
Owned by Jodie Harders and Steve Withers, the champion was recognised at tonight’s annual WA Greyhound of the Year Awards for his impressive 2020 racing season, which saw the chaser compete in 30 races, securing 19 wins and eight placings for a total of $383,540 in stakes.
Developing a cult following as the ‘People’s Dog’, his feature wins for 2020 were the Kanyana Cup,
Sandi’s Me Mum Memorial, Group 3 Perth Cup
Consolation, WA Sprint Championship, Spring Gift and the Group 1 Hobart Thousand.
Acclaimed trainer David Hobby was awarded the Leading Trainer Award for 2020. In addition to training both track stars of the year, David had 371 wins, including 15 feature race trophies and firmly established himself as the State’s premier trainer.
Some of David’s star performers last year included Zack Monelli, Flake Monelli, Mermaid Monelli, Sunset Nuclear and Sunset Spitfire.
The esteemed Gerry O’Keefe Achievement Award was presented to David and Christine Robartson, who have been pivotal members of the WA greyhound racing industry for more than four decades.
Over the years, David and Christine have been involved in a number of quality chasers including Wits End, Roxy Reason, Miss Hot Gossip, El Galo and High Earner.
David and Christine continue to play an active role in the industry, not only as successful trainers, breeders and owners, but also being members of the greyhound industry consultative groups as well as providing assistance and mentoring to the next generation of industry leaders.
The Kerry Vernon Award for Excellence in Greyhound Welfare was awarded to Elliesha James. Elliesha founded and manages the greyhound rehoming program Love Da’Hound, where she works closely with trainers to find the perfect forever home for their greyhounds when they retire from racing.
Last year, Elliesha supported the transition to retirement of 31 greyhounds and provides ongoing support to families in the transition.
Matthew Frampton was presented with the Young Achiever Award for his strong determination in becoming one of the best lure drivers in the State. Matthew started out at Greyhounds WA in 2012 as the race night receptionist, however, in 2015 was eager to commence a career as a lure driver.
Matthew was born with physical disabilities with his hands, but his willingness and hard work proved this was no barrier in becoming a successful lure driver. That same year, Matthew was approved as a race night lure driver and to this day continues in this role his feature wins for 2020 were the Kanyana Cup.
Jay Rooney was recognised for his advocacy of the sport and its participants, winning the Greyhound Media Award.
Jay’s exceptional feature story on Tommy Shelby shone a spotlight on greyhound racing and showcased the generosity of his owners, who donate part of their winnings every month to various charities, with Telethon being the beneficiary for the month of the article.
RWWA General Manager Racing Charlotte Mills said she was thrilled to see this year’s winners recognised for their achievements.
“The awards recognise what has been a fantastic year in greyhound racing and provide the opportunity to come together to showcase the WA greyhound industry and it’s achievements,” Charlotte said.
“I congratulate all the award winners and nominees, they should all be very proud of their contributions.”
In total, 165 people attended the 2020 Greyhound of the Year Awards at Crown Perth on Sunday, 14 March.
2020 Greyhound of the Year Award Winners:
• Greyhound of the Year – Tommy Shelby
• Leading Trainer Award – David Hobby
• Gerry O’Keefe Achievement Award – David and Christine Robartson
• Kerry Vernon Award for Excellence in Greyhound Welfare – Elliesha James
• Young Achiever Award – Matthew Frampton
• Greyhound Media Award – Jay Rooney