Caption: Will Fast Minardi be Tasmania’s Greyhound of the Year? The winner will be named on January 26.
By BRENNAN RYAN
THE standout performers of the 2023-24 racing season are set to be recognised at the Tasmanian Greyhound of the Year Awards, to be held at Launceston on January 26.
It’s the annual awards night, incorporating with the Group 2 Ladbrokes Launceston Cup finalist dinner, an event to celebrate the local superstars of the Tasmanian industry.
Last season, the 2022 Tasmanian GOTY award went to Rojo Diamond and he looks well in contention again alongside the likes of Raider’s Guide and Fast Minardi.
Official finalists for the award will be announced after the December 31
Raider’s Guide and Fast Minardi have performed at the elite level in Group 1s, adding to their credentials with top efforts in feature events and establishing track records.
St Leonards trainer Robin Grubb has had plenty of thrills in preparing Rojo Diamond, the home-bred son of Fabregas from Sing The Song, having won the recent Tasmanian Gold Cup Final.
His wins also include the Easter Cup, Ronald McDonald Cup, Silver Trophy this season as well second in the Reg and Aileen Ivory Memorial and fourth in the Group 2 Launceston Cup.
Fast Minardi has taken trainer Paul Hili and owner Ross Freeman on a fantastic ride.
The light brindle son of Fernando Bale from Cheeky Vixen has taken all before during a stellar 12-month campaign, winning races from 400 metres.
Along the way Fast Minardi has set a 600m record in Launceston of 34.12.
He took out the Illingworth Classic, Vets Medley Series, Tasmanian Derby, Division 1 J.G. Nelson Cup, Division 2 GOTBAT Cup and the Ladbrokes Tasmania Distance.
He was third to Palawa King in the Group 1 National Distance Grand Final at The Meadows.
Gary and Greg Fahey are beyond proud of what Raider’s Guide has achieved to date.
This season the son of Zambora Brockie claimed the Easter Plate, Buckle Up Wes Tasbred, Shane Yates Memorial and was runner-up in the Illingworth Classic and Launceston Breeders.
He won the Tasmanian Sprint title and finished fifth in the Group 1 National Sprint. Most recently he was second to Hector Fawley in the Group 1 Hume Cup Final at The Meadows.
Other noted achievements included three track records – two over 599m in Hobart and equalling Fast Minardi’s 600m time at Launceston.
Tasmania’s previous Greyhounds of the Year
2013-14 She’s All Class
2014-15 Buckle Up Wes
2015-16 Breaker’s Tip
2016-17 Chief Jetpilot
2018-19 Leeroy Rogue
2017-18 Cosmic Heir
2019-20 Stop Line
2020-21 Handsome Prince
2021-22 Wynburn Sheean
2022-23 Rojo Diamond
