The finalists for the 2024 Queensland Greyhound of the Year have been unveiled.
Staged in Brisbane on March 21, All Natural, Autumn Storm and Valpolicella will battle it out for the Queensland greyhound industry’s highest accolade after a voting panel of eight narrowed the field to just three finalists.
All Natural, trained by Selena Zammit, enjoyed a highly consistent 2024 season with an impressive nine wins and five placings from 17 starts.
The red fawn dog won five straight races at Albion Park and took out the Group 2 Bundaberg Cup, while also placing in the Group 1 Gold Bullion Final and the Group 3 Origin Greyhound Series Sprint Final.
Autumn Storm announced her arrival to the state’s greyhound racing scene in 2024, with a scintillating upset victory in the Group 1 Ipswich Cup.
Under the care of leading trainer Tom Tzouvelis, the black bitch posted 11 wins and 14 placings from 33 starts.
Anthony Zammit’s star chaser Valpolicella continued to reach dazzling heights in 2024, notching 20 wins and 10 placings from 37 starts – headlined by her superb victories in the Group 1 Gold Cup at Albion Park, Group 1 Zoom Top at The Meadows, and The 715 at The Gardens.
On top of that, she triumphed in the Group 2 Summer Distance Plate Final and placed in the Group 1 Sandown Cup, Group 3 Origin Greyhound Series Distance Final and Group 3 Super Stayers Invitational Final.
RQ Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said the performances of this year’s finalists again underlined the quality and promise in Queensland’s chasing ranks.
“While each finalist claimed victory at a Group level in 2024, they have all represented Queensland with distinction both locally and across the nation throughout the year,” Mr Murray said.
“I would like to congratulate the three finalists and their connections for their recognition amongst the state’s top echelon, and wish them all the best on the night.
“The greyhound code continues to come along in leaps and bounds in Queensland, and the 2024 Awards night will be a fantastic evening to celebrate the outstanding achievements within the code.”
Other awards to be handed out on the night include:
- Trainers Strike Rate Award;
- Brisbane Sire of the Year;
- Brisbane Leading Owner Award;
- Brisbane Dam of the Year;
- Top Simbi Award;
- The Young Achiever;
- Women in Racing;
- Run of the Year;
- RQ Outstanding Contribution Award;
- Hall of Fame inductees; and
- Club Award winners (leading trainer and leading greyhound).
Click here for further information on the 2024 Queensland Greyhound Awards.