The Queensland greyhound industry is mourning the loss of Emma Bryant following a long running battle with cancer.
For the past four decades, Emma has been synonymous with greyhound racing in North Queensland, commencing her training career in the early 80s before going on to serve as a well-respected administrator.
Emma held a long-standing association with the Cairns Greyhound Racing Club, serving as President and committee member for more than 14 years until its doors closed in 2018.
Emma’s love of the sport began in 1974, after she was invited to attend a greyhound meet at the old Gabba track.
It was there where she met people like Tony Zammit, who is still involved in the industry to this day – and her love affair with the sport was born.
She received her first dog from her sister, Evelyn – who unbeknownst to Emma was also a trainer – named Zara Zip and by 1982 had obtained her trainer’s license.
As a trainer, Emma won her first Cairns Trainer of the Year award in 1998, a crown she went on to claim more than 10 times – most recently in 2018.
In recent years Emma has stayed active in the training game, with her small team still netting winners in Townsville as recently as last month.
"Emma was the heart and soul of the Cairns Greyhound Racing Club," RQ COO Adam Wallish said.
"As the Far North's premier trainer, there's very little she didn't achieve and was just as hard working behind the scenes.
"As recently as last month, she was still training winners and we extend our condolences to her partner, Arthur, and her extended family."