Kildare's Ballyann Sim scoops top Greyhound Award

Ballyanne Sim, winner of the 2018 Irish Greyhound Derby and trained by James Robinson in Athy, has been named the 2018 ‘Dog of the Year’ at the National Greyhound Racing Awards held in the Killashee House Hotel in Naas.

Ballyanne Sim was also awarded the ‘Supreme Greyhound’ prize at the event.

Owned by former Wexford All-Star hurling full back Eamon Cleary, now based in Kilnagornan, Co. Kildare, Sim crossed the line in 29.28 seconds to win the €140,000 prize in September. He was chosen for the award over Patrick Guilfoyle-trained Cabra Hurricane, winner of the Night of Stars 525 race, and Slippy Cian, trained by Graham Holland.

Speaking after the awards ceremony, owner Eamon Cleary said: “It’s absolutely fabulous. It’s fabulous for the dog, he ran a great Derby and he’s a great competition dog. The aim is now to run him in the English Derby and try him again in the Irish Derby after that. Nights like this are the icing on the cake, I’m absolutely thrilled.”

Meanwhile Killer Bee, trained and owned by Tony Moore in Allenwood and  Peter Comerford in Naas, also bagged the ‘Future Star’ award having won the Comerford Cakes National Puppy Stake last year.

Ballykett Beauty, owned and trained by Gary Loughnane in Kill, was nominated for the ‘Stayer of the Year’ prize but lost out to the Pat Buckley-trained Javielenko.