Orchestrate has capped off a stellar Group 1-winning season to be crowned the 2022 Queensland Greyhound of the Year.
Trained by Tony Brett, Orchestrate solidified his standing as one of Queensland’s leading chasers, notching up 10 victories from just 20 starts in his 2022 campaign.
His season was headlined by a breath-taking victory in the Group 1 Brisbane Cup, delivering Brett a fifth win in the showpiece event.
Orchestrate also recorded seven placings, including a second in the Group 3 Origin Greyhound Series Sprint and a nail-biting runner-up performance in the Group 3 Super Sprinters Final.
In being crowned Greyhound of the Year, Orchestrate defeated fellow finalists Days Of Thunder and Shipwreck, both of whom chalked up remarkably consistent 2022 seasons.
“Orchestrate’s thrilling victory in the Group 1 Brisbane Cup was a crowning highlight of the 2022 season, making Tony Brett’s star greyhound a deserving winner of the Greyhound of the Year Award,” Racing Minister Grace Grace said.
“It’s fantastic to see the code going from strength to strength in Queensland, and the best is yet to come.
“We have already seen a $9 million increase in prize money in 2023, and I recently turned the sod on the future Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre which is expected to be completed in 2024.
“I wish to thank everyone for their hard work and commitment in ensuring sport remains in such a strong position, and we look forward to another exciting 12 months of greyhound racing.”
In total, Racing Queensland announced more than 20 award winners at the Greek Club, acknowledging the remarkable achievements of greyhound racing participants across the state throughout 2022.
Greyhound of the Year finalist Days Of Thunder did not go home empty-handed, claiming the Brisbane Greyhound of the Year Award for her season of 10 wins and nine placings from 26 starts at Albion Park.
The Outstanding Contribution Award, which was introduced in 2019 to recognise the tireless efforts of volunteers within the industry, was bestowed upon Lee Pearce, who has dedicated her service to the Townsville Greyhound Club for more than six years in a range of roles.
Trainer Joshua Priest was awarded the Young Achiever Award for a season that amassed six wins and 14 placings from 37 starts for the 21-year-old, including a win in the Group Listed Winged Runner Trophy.
Finally, industry stalwart Cyndie Elson was presented with the Woman in Racing Award for her contribution to racing in Queensland, complementing her fourth straight Brisbane Trainer of the Year Award.
The evening also saw two Hall of Fame inductees, with legendary multiple Group 1-winning trainer Paul Cauchi, along with former Greyhound of the Year Queen Lauryn, the latest to be honoured.
