Feora Lottie named ARC Graded Greyhound of the Year
Feora Lottie, trained by Central Park’s Bob Pattinson, is the ARC Graded Greyhound of the Year for 2023.
Owned by Jon Carter and his late wife Marilyn, the December ‘19 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Feora Inish impressed the GBGB judging panel for her record throughout the year.
Feora Lottie was a model of consistency in 2023 and competed in 36 races at Central Park, winning 10 in the very best graded company, as well as two open race wins at the track. She completed a hat-trick in March, including in two opens over 642m, and notched up a back-to-back A1 double in June. Rarely out of the frame, she has also finished second four times, twice against open class.
Daniel Rankin, Central Park’s Racing Manager said: “Lottie has competed against some of the best graded greyhounds here. She is consistent, genuine and a joy to watch.”
Lottie started out her career in April 2021 and her first race was an A4 in which she finished second. Three races later she found herself chalking up her first career win.
She has now had a total of 103 career starts, comprising 26 wins and 26 seconds. Aside from her 12 wins and four seconds last year, she has also finished third six times.
“Lottie has competed against some of the best at Central Park and finished second in an open race around Crayford when our racecourse was closed for track relaying works.” added Rankin.
Her trainer Bob Pattinson said: “Jon lost his wife Marilyn last year, so this is a fitting tribute with Lottie winning. She really is a joy to train and has done well getting nominated considering there are some very good dogs on the strength at Central Park right now.
“Lottie comes from a great litter which included Feora Noel and Feora Crisp. She was bred by Michael Reidy in Co Kerry, a great friend of Jon Carter, and they’ll be delighted to win this.”
The judging panel were also keen to recognise the efforts of runner-up Bramble Nickeen for Newcastle trainer Steve Anderson after his performances on the track during the year which resulted in no less than 18 wins. He is owned by this year’s Kennelhand of the Year Chloe Hardy. Joint third place went to Barnfield Barra for Monmore trainer Kim Billingham, and Second Captain, trained by Romford’s Katie O’Flaherty.
Duncan Gibson, GBGB’s Senior Stipendiary Steward and a member of the judging panel, said: “Congratulations to the connections of Feora Lottie. Her record round Central Park last year was exemplary.
“A massive well-done too to Bramble Nickeen – he has been ultra-consistent round Newcastle, completing a four-timer of three A1 wins and one open. To remain competitive against the very best at the track is no mean feat.
“Again, we were extremely impressed by the level of nominations put forward and thanks to all those tracks whose racing offices took the time to support their runners in the Graded Greyhound of the Year Award.”
Opens
Thursday: Suffolk Downs • Swindon
Saturday: Central Park • Doncaster • Hove • Monmore
