Tony Duncan, the 2013 Shepparton Greyhound Racing Club’s Local Trainer of the Year, described winning the award as his greatest achievement in his 35 years in the sport.
Duncan received the award in front of more than 100 guests at the 2013 Shepparton Greyhound of the Year awards on 7 March, which for the first time in many years was conducted as a formal event.
“It was an unbelievable night,” Duncan recalled. “To have so many people there (on a non-race night) was really unexpected and to win this award is a real thrill.”
Duncan, based nearby in Harston, had a total of 38 winners in 2013, most of which were at Shepparton.
“It was a really big year by my standards. I predominantly race at three tracks – Bendigo, Shepparton and The Meadows – due to work commitments, but I did have a couple of doubles and a couple of trebles at Shepparton in 2013,” Duncan said.
“I was hoping to get 50 winners for the year, but a bout of kennel cough swept through my team late in the year which prevented that. But I’m really proud to have had 38 winners because my previous best in a calendar year was 25. Hopefully I can get 50 winners in 2014.”
“I had 38 winners for the year which is a record for me and included a couple of doubles and a couple of trebles at Shepparton” – TONY DUNCAN
Duncan begins work on his greyhounds at 4:00am each day before heading to the local knackery at 7:00am where he works full time organising truck deliveries until around 4:00pm, when the work on his greyhounds begins again.
He breeds all his own greyhounds who race with the ‘All Inn’ prefix, with his best greyhound All Inn Brady contesting a Melbourne Cup Prelude at Sandown Park last year.
“He (All In Brady) ran third to Glen Gallon that night. Just having a dog competing in elite company like that was a massive thrill for me. It was such a proud moment having a greyhound on the big stage,” he said.
Among the guests at the Shepparton GOTY was soon-to-be retired local MP, the Hon Jeannette Powell, who was recognised by the club for her outstanding support for local greyhound racing over many years.
2013 SHEPPARTON GRC AWARD WINNERS
Greyhound of the Year: Twilight Vixen (trained by Fay Vantaarling)
Trainer of the Year: Graeme Bate
Local Trainer of the Year: Tony Duncan
Young Trainer of the Year: Jess Fothergill
Staff Appreciation Award: John Donaldson
Volunteer award: Sandra McGrath
Appreciation award: The Hon. Ms. Jeannette Powell, MP
Shepparton GRC Manager, Carl McGrath described the night as a big success.
“Turning this night into a major event is something we will do every year now. It is one of a number of things this club does to promote a strong club feeling.”
“(Sky Racing’s) Simone Fisher did a great job as MC, and it was great to recognise a number of locals who achieved great things in 2013.”
“We sold tickets to the night at $30 each, and while it was never intended to be a fundraiser, the club made good money mainly because of a stud dog auction and bar takings,” McGrath said.
*Below is a selection of images from the night courtesy of Jade Media Photography