GOTY: Jay Is Jay Crowned Queensland's Finest

LILLIAN Jones is 82 and it was long past her bed time, but there was no way she was missing this.

“This” was the announcement on Friday night that her beloved Jay Is Jay, or “Mick” as he is known around home, was crowned 2023 Queensland Greyhound of the Year.

Lillian owns him and her daughter Selena trains him. Son-in-law Mick Zammit is the guiding light of the dog's career.

And what a career it has been already.

Who will forget the emotional scenes between Selena and Mick after Jay Is Jay won last year's Million Dollar Chase … certainly not Lillian Jones.

Lillian was on the phone with her daughter, both of them left almost speechless, as the million dollar victory started to sink in.

But, Jay Is Jay (Sennachie-Kealoah) was so very dominant in 2023, also winning the G2 Qld Derby, G3 Gold Ticket, G3 Qld Flame. He also ran second in the G1 Topgun and G1 Gold Bullion.

???? 2023 TAB QLD Greyhound Awards ????

✨2023 Greyhound of the Year Award ✨

???? JAY IS JAY

Trained by Selena Zammit, the star chaser continued to reach new heights in '23, notching up 15 wins from 26 starts – headlined by his superb victory in the Million Dollar Chase! pic.twitter.com/ClXCT1Ikb9

— RaceQ (@RaceQLD) March 22, 2024

Jay Is Jay, with $1.5 million in Lillian's bank, is third on the all-time money winner's list.

Such was Jay Is Jay's fabulous 2023 that two high class rivals, Bear's Bullet and Magistrate, had to bow to his greatness in the final judging of the greyhound of the year award.

Jay Is Jay and the Zammit-Jones family also claimed the Top Simbi award, awarded to a greyhound, person, organisation or event that creates positive publicity for the industry. 

The night saw 26 award winners including Magistrate's trainer Greg Stella taking home the Brisbane Trainers Strike Rate Award.

Hall of Fame entries were The Apap family, Michael Byrne and Worthy Reward. 

The Raymond and Mary Burman bred, owned and trained Blue Hornet was crowned the Brisbane Club Greyhound of the Year after 18 wins and 19 placings from 51 starts, while Cyndie Elson took out her fifth straight Brisbane Trainer of the Year Award. 

The Outstanding Contribution Award, introduced in 2019 to recognise the efforts of volunteers within the industry, was bestowed upon long-time Brisbane Club President Les Bein. 

Trainer Hayley Wooler was awarded the Young Achiever Award for a season that amassed 64 wins and 164 placings from 624 starts for the 22-year-old. 

Cynthia Suttle was presented with the Woman in Racing Award for her contribution to racing in Queensland, with more than 50 years in the industry.

Other award winners were:

Brisbane Club: Dam of the Year Champagne Sally, GOTY Blue Hornet, Owner Cyndie Elson, Sire Fernando Bale, Trainer Cyndie Elson.

Bundaberg: GOTY Smart And Classy, Trainer David Plummer.

Capalaba: GOTY Valhalla, Trainer Chris Brydon.

Ipswich: GOTY Galloping Black, Owner Board Racing Synd, Trainer Pauline Byers.

Rockhampton: GOTY Chips In, Trainer Ken Boody.

Townsville: GOTY Good Odds Rascal, Trainer Brad Belford.