More awards for Queensland greyhound industry matriarch

By Pat McLeod

Long-time Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club president Les Bein has applauded the work ethic of the industry’s Queensland breeding matriarch Cyndie Elson after she notched another milestone.

The Churchable-based Cyndie has taken out the Brisbane club’s annual owner and trainer double for the fifth year in a row.

In fact, Cyndie has dominated those awards over the past decade.

She has won the Brisbane Owner Of The Year eight of the last nine years and she and husband Bill boast the same scorecard for the Trainer Of The Year.

“When you consider Cyndie’s work ethic, those awards don’t come as a surprise,” Bein said.

“She is a machine. It is unbelievable how much she does.

“No doubt that work load has increased in recent years with husband Bill being unwell, but fortunately their son Warren has been a major support.”

Cyndie Elson won the 2023 Brisbane club trainers’ title with a total of 1869 points.

Second was Jedda Cutlack (1275 points), with Sandra Hunt third (1238).

Cyndie’s son Travis Elson, who operates his own kennel at Yandina Creek, north of Brisbane, was fourth with 886 points.

“The Elsons are a significant family in greyhound racing in Queensland,” Bein said.

“The statistics alone show that. It is unbelievable what Cyndie and Bill have been able to achieve over the last couple of decades.

“What is noteworthy is the fact that their winners are all home bred chasers. They have created a sensational breeding barn since they moved to Churchable with a procession of incredible bitches, who produce winners.

“They are a real asset to the Queensland greyhound industry.”

Bein also pointed out the substantial role women play in greyhound racing in Queensland, again borne out by the 2023 statistics.

Of the Brisbane club’s top 10 trainers, five are women, with females claiming the top three positions.

“Male trainers probably still outnumber women trainers, however success tells the story,” Bein said.

“The top three trainers are women and all are quality, respected trainers. It is also great to see young trainer Jedda Cutlack doing so well.

“She is cut from the same cloth as Cyndie - a very hard worker, so much energy. She deserves every bit of success she achieves.”

The trainers of the year for 2023 for each of the six Queensland clubs are: Brisbane - Cyndie Elson; Ipswich - Pauline Byers; Capalaba - Chris Brydon; Bundaberg - David Plummer; Rockhampton - Ken Boody; Townsville - Brad Belford.

The full list of the clubs’ and state award winners will be recognized at the 2023 Queensland Greyhound Awards, to be held at The Ballroom, Victoria Park, Brisbane, on Friday, March 22.

Meanwhile, the Cyndie Elson-owned, Hello Mike, the reigning Group 1 Gold Bullion winner, returns to racing this Thursday night in the heats of the Golden Ticket at Albion Park.

The Travis Elson-trained speedster gave Cyndie and Bill Elson one of their greatest moments in the sport when he edged out then-emerging superstar Jay Is Jay in the Gold Bullion Final at Albion Park in February, 2023.

According to Travis Elson, Hello Mike has been trialing extremely well since his last race appearance, at Albion Park on September 25.