Jungle Deuce's GOTY Built On High Emotion

BRIAN Jaggers reckons he can get more emotional than Chris Waller on a good day.

Waller showed to the world his emotional side whenever his legend race mare Winx won.

He choked back tears of joy.

On Sunday, Brian Jaggers accepted 2021 NSW Greyhound of the Year honours for the great Jungle Deuce and his outpouring of emotion was a highlight of the function.

Jungle Deuce retired to stud only recently after 25 wins and $655,000 in prizemoney including a host of Group victories.

But while Brian, his partner in the dog Clay Mawson, and their trainer Jack Smith celebrated long and hard career highlights, in the background was a series of heartaches to bring them back to earth as Brian explained.

“It started not long after we got Jungle Deuce when my mum Marlaine died,” said Brian.

“Then eight months later my Dad Ken lost his house in the bushfires.

“After that, Clay's wife Di lost her brother Lindsay.

“Jack Smith's wife Maree lost her brother Steve.

“Then a few months later Clay's mum Carol died.”

But Jungle Deuce kept winning and his connections “clung together” supporting each other through such sad times.

Since Melbourne Cup day, Brian has been out of home looking after his 86-year-old dad Ken who has just been given “a couple of new knees”.

“The old man is a real warrior,” said Brian. “I was coming back for Sunday's function and due to pick up my wife Sharon and son Tim to take to the award presentation.

“But, they both came down with Covid.

“All I could do was stop at home and say hello through a window.”

The emotion of winning greyhound of the year got too much for Brian and he was lucky to hold it together considering the background to what has befallen all those associated with the dog.

But it does not end there.

“After I left the function, I was heading back to stay with Dad, but there was no way I could stop in at home and risk getting Covid,” he said.

“And I wasn't going to risk driving, so I slept in the car.”

Brian admits he and Clay were certain Stanley Road would win the 2021 award having won two Group 1s during the year.

“It took us by surprise when he was announced the greyhound of the year,” he said.

“To be honest, we thought we might have been a better chance this year.”

But Brian and Clay and Jack and Maree are nothing but thankful for such a wonderful greyhound and to be honoured.

“I must thank everyone who voted for him,” said Brian. “He's a special, special animal.”