An excellent night was had at Sandown Park on Thursday as the club celebrated its annual Women in Racing event.
The Jess Hopkins trained Bobby Axelrod was the shining light of the two feature races, he won the Judy Hayley Memorial by 10 lengths in a fast time of 29.24.
A fitting winner given the prominence and popularity of the Hopkins family, spanning over three generations between Jess, Sheree (Mum) and Val (Nan).
“It means a lot to win this race. I tried to win the first one (Judy Hayley Memorial) and ran 2nd in two heats. Judy was a trailblazer for women in our sport and a great trainer,” said Hopkins.
The Judy Hayley Memorial is named in honour the popular Melbourne Cup winning trainer who lost her battle with leukaemia in 2012.
Rachael’s Tears won the GOTBA (Greyhound Owners, Trainers and Breeders Association) Karen Leek Memorial for trainer Rob Britton which was another just result.
“It’s fitting that this race has been won by Rob, a long time servant of the GOTBA who worked very closely with Karen. Rob’s got racing commitments in Queensland tonight but I’ve got no doubt he would’ve been watching closely and extremely proud to win the race,” said Greg Doyle, GOTBA President.
Karen Leek passed away in tragic circumstances in 2020 but will forever be an icon of greyhound racing.
Another staple of the event is the Marg Thomas Award – given for the most outstanding female contribution to the sport. It was awarded to Lorraine Finn for her impact on greyhound racing in Warrnambool and beyond – see her story below.
“Lorraine’s a special person to me and the club. She’s so reliable and you just know that what she’s taking care of in the shop is going to be organised and done. She doesn’t seek the limelight but tonight is her turn to shine,” said Craig Monigatti, Manager of the Warrnambool Greyhound Racing Club.
Margaret Thomas is considered one of greyhound racing’s ‘first ladies’. Her tireless devotion and commitment has encompassed the entire gamut of the sport.
Click here for the night’s results
Click here for split times of all runners
