GOTY: Vice Grip Crowned WA's Finest

VICE Grip, which only recently retired to stud after an illustrious race career, has been crowned WA greyhound of the year for 2022.

The son of Aston Dee Bee and Bells Are Ringin, trained by youthful conditoner Adam Smithson, raced 26 times in the year for 13 wins and 10 placings for $380,000 in stakes.

Vice Grip's victories came in the Group 1 Perth Cup, Group 2 All Stars Sprint, Group 3 Mandurah Cup, Lew Dorsa Memorial and Spring Gift final.

He also made a further three Group 1 finals on the East Coast.

Curly, as he is known at home, retired with earnings of $570,000.

The award was presented to Vice Grip's connections at Crown Perth on Sunday night.

Leading trainer went to Chris Halse who dominated with 200 wins for the year.

The Gerry O'Keefe Achievement Award went to Barry McPherson. Barry has trained almost 2200 winners since 1987 including 2006 Greyhound of the Year Ronray Dancer.

In addition to mentoring young trainers, Barry volunteers his time to maintain the Southern River training track and fundraises for The Amanda Young Foundation through racing proceeds.

The Kerry Vernon Award for Excellence in Greyhound Welfare went to Greyhound Angels of WA.

The volunteer-based group has rehomed hundreds of retired greyhounds.

Victoria Cook was named Young Achiever of the Year after training 47 winners in her third season. She has been involved with greyhounds all her life, with her parents and husband also trainers.

RWWA Chief Racing Officer David Hunter said he was pleased to see this year's winners recognised for their achievements.

"The awards highlight another fantastic year of greyhound racing here in WA. I congratulate all of this evening's nominees and award winners, and applaud them for their efforts," David said.