Chloe Hardy Is Crowned GBGB Kennelhand Of The Year 2023
Chloe Hardy, a leading light at Bramble Kennels, is GBGB Kennelhand of the Year for 2023.
This annual award is given to one exceptional kennelhand who shows incredible dedication to their work and who always goes that ‘extra mile’ for the greyhounds in their charge.
Based with Newcastle trainer Steve Anderson in Tyne and Wear, Chloe has worked at the Bramble Kennels for seven years and has seen them through some difficult times.
Steve said: “We’ve had a very tough 18 months, including personal loss, but Chloe just rolled up her sleeves and stepped up when it mattered most.”
Chloe was up morning, noon and night last January when kennel favourite Bramble Revel became seriously ill. “Chloe and the team looked after him 24/7,” said Steve. “Revel made a remarkable recovery and is now back racing. I’ve got such a brilliant team here – I’d be lost without them.”
Chloe, currently head kennelhand to Steve, is moving up to assistant trainer soon with a view to taking over the licence.
Syndicate member Eamon Kelly commented: “Chloe was instrumental in Revel’s recovery and getting him back to full fitness. She goes above and beyond and even takes our dogs home with her after work!”
Owner Andrew Fox added: “I’ve had three dogs with Chloe and every one of them has received fantastic care both during and after their racing career.
“She also made sure all three dogs went to excellent homes in their retirement and went round to check up on all of them after they had finished racing.
“We all need to make sure that welfare is top of the agenda, and Chloe is a fine example of this.”
Syndicate member Stuart Bowes added: “My proudest moment in racing has been the comeback of our Bramble Revel, and I consider this a direct consequence of the around-the-clock attention, love and care that Chloe and the team gave.
“She was actively in touch with us with regular updates of Revel’s welfare, not only during working hours, but also during her precious personal time.”
GTV’s Tanya Stevenson said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took the trouble to make the nominations, there were so many and it made the choice really hard, every single one is so deserving.
“Congratulations to Chloe who wins this year, but thanks to everyone who gives their devotion and dedication.”
The nominations were judged by an industry panel comprising GTV’s Tanya Stevenson, Cheryl Miller, Manager at Greyhound Trust Harvel, Croftview Kennels, GBGB’s Senior Stipendiary Steward, Duncan Gibson, and Racing Operations Executive Scott Harvey. The panel also chose two runners up – Maria Ansbro (kennelhand to partner Derek Knight, attached to Hove) and Mandy Curtis (kennelhand to David Mullins, attached to Romford).