2023 SA Greyhound of the Year finalists revealed
The finalists for the anticipated 2023 SA Greyhound of the Year award have been announced.
The Selection Panel carefully assessed the performances of greyhounds from South Australia, resulting in the selection of five contenders.
All greyhounds that have been considered need to be SA-trained at the time for their performances to be considered, along with other eligibility criteria.
SA Greyhound Of The Year Finalists
Could Be King
One noteworthy finalist is Could Be King, a competitor with a track record of 39 races and 12 first-place finishes in 2023.
Trained by Ben Rawlings and owned by Tyson Panagiotou and Oliver Brecht, Could Be King has claimed victories in events like the Gawler Golden Maiden and the Eastar Match Race series.
2023 Shane McQueen Heat 4 Race Replay – Could Be King (1st)
Dash of Blue
Another standout contender is Dash of Blue, known for his speed and agility, winning 17 out of 34 races in 2023 under trainer Richard Pearce.
With lineage from My Redeemer and Dashing Dee Dee, Dash of Blue has secured wins such as the Shane McQueen final and the North v South Challenge, cementing himself as a top contender.
2023 Shane McQueen Final Race Replay – Dash Of Blue (1st)
Ravers Army
Ravers Army, hailing from a line of champions like Fernando Bale and Bella Rico, has made a mark with 17 wins in 31 races in 2023.
Under trainer Tim Aloisi and owner Ioannis Dimitriadis, Ravers Army has triumphed in events like the Group 3 Murray Bridge Cup heat and the Shane McQueen heat.
2023 Murray Bridge Cup Heat 4 – Ravers Army(1st)
Wheres Poppy
Wheres Poppy, a force in the racing world, has made a name for herself with 20 races and 13 wins under her belt in 2023.
Trained and owned by Kirin Corby, Wheres Poppy, the offspring of Sennachie and Fabwik, has achieved success in the Group 3 SA Oaks and emerged victorious in the Festival of Fire “The Ashes” final.
Group 3 SA Oaks Race Replay – Wheres Poppy (1st)
Zipping Neutron
Zipping Neutron, under the ownership of Tim Aloisi & Ioannis Dimitriadis and trained by Tim Aloisi, stands out as the top competitor, boasting a track record of 20 wins in 24 races in 2023.
Born to Sh Avatar and Zipping Abby, Zipping Neutron has set records by breaking the Mt Gambier 732m track record and secured remarkable victories in the likes of the Premiers Cup, SA National Distance Championship Final, Queen Stayers Cup Final, and Gawler Stayers Cup.
Premier Cup Race Replay – Zipping Neutron (1st)
The panel members will each submit their votes to determine the champion, to be announced at the Awards Dinner at Angle Park on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
In addition to awarding the Greyhound of the Year title, the panel will also assess esteemed accolades that honour excellence in South Australian greyhound racing.