SUCCESSFUL owner/breeder David Gleeson is very rarely – if ever – short of a word, especially when it comes to his ‘Shima' greyhounds.
But that was the case when an emotional Gleeson was informed his champion home-bred pride and joy Shima Shine was the recipient of the 2020/21 Victorian Greyhound of the Year award and Sprinter of the Year title.
"To tell you the truth, I'm quite speechless and I'm very emotional," Gleeson said to GRV's Molly Haines, wiping away tears.
"It's beyond words. It's a thrill beyond a thrill.
"To win something like this, not in my wildest dreams did I ever think he'd be in a position to get an award of this magnitude.
"It would be without a doubt the biggest thrill I've ever had in racing. Just sensational. I'm so pleased and humbled by it."
It's another special GOTY achievement for Gleeson, who was awarded the Ken Carr Medal in 2018/2019, in recognition of three decades of achievement as a breeder, owner, administrator and sponsor.
Being anointed both Greyhound and Sprinter of the Year is a magnificent achievement at any time, but even more so in 2020/21, considering the enormous depth amongst the Victorian ranks.
In a stellar crop, Shima Shine, which was trained by Andrea Dailly, vied for the spotlight with ill-fated superstar Simon Told Helen, Melbourne Cup hero Hard Style Rico and two-time G1 winner Tiggerlong Tonk, among others, giving the judging panel an unenviable task.
Shima Shine won 20 of his 36 starts over the 2020/21 period and was victorious in three of the 11 Group events he contested, the highlight coming with a career-defining G1 breakthrough against the best of the best in the Topgun invitational at The Meadows.