The GBGB Graded Greyhound of the Year 2015 has been awarded to Ardera Victor, trained by Pat Cowdrill at Monmore.
The strapping 35.5 kilo black and white November 2011 dog suffered a fractured hock in July 2014 and had five months off the track before returning to racing in February last year. Since then he won 10 races; A5 and A4 before landing three straight A3s and then an A2. He then entered the top grade where he has won four times.
Monmore racing manager Tony Williamson said; “He’s got tremendous early pace, wins his races from the front and he’s clocked the fastest sectional of the year at 4.21.Trainer Pat Cowdrill said that owner David Mansell is a great owner who visits the kennel every Sunday and was very patient during the long layoff.”
On hearing the news, Mansell said he was “over the moon. I only own dogs that I can home myself and Victor has now been retired. He came off sore after his last race in December and is at the kennel and will be joining me at home shortly. It’s great that he will be able to see his award on the mantelpiece.”
GBGB media and Communications officer Simon Banks said; “This year’s entry was about quality rather than quantity and there were some very good dogs entered, some of which were undoubtedly open class. Ardera Victor is an owners dream and it’s heartening when owners show the patience that Mr Mansell did. I hear that he only cost £700, which shows that successful ownership doesn’t have to cost a fortune.”
Runners up were Belle Vue’s After Milo, trained by joy Andrews and Hove’s Tullna Hawk, trained by Derek Knight.
AUSTRALIAN FORMULA FEED – IN A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN
