On Friday about 250 attended Shepparton Greyhound Racing Club for the 2023 installation of the event to see a quintessential quintet acknowledged for their service to the game.
Revered race caller and owner of champion hound Highly Blessed Doug Ferremi stood alongside founding member Kel Tremellen in the limelight.
Others put on the pedestal were Keith Warburton, a muscle checker, as well as talented trainers Alec Reid and Tony Duncan.
Shepparton Greyhound Racing Club manager Carl McGrath touched on the importance of recognising such stalwarts at the event.
“We established these memorial races to recognise the important contributions that members have made to the club,” McGrath said.
“We are extremely grateful for the generous time and effort of our members, whether they are providing advice and support to other members, making a mark as trainers or owners, or helping make the club a welcoming place to be.”
While the contributions made by the five loyal servants were front and centre, some thrilling racing also captured onlookers’ attention.
Broadside, owned by mother-son duo Daniel and Bev Pell, won the $28,000 Shepparton Workwear and Safety Group Three Northern District Cup, a storied moment during a great night in the eyes of McGrath.
“The night was a great success, with the family and friends of those honoured attending in large numbers and everyone enjoyed some high-quality racing,” he said.
“It was great to see Daniel and Bev Pell win in an exciting race.”