Why The Obvious Shouldn't Win Run Of The Year

THE line-up of Run of the Year candidates for the 2019-20 season is just about as formidable as you’ll see - but will the right winner be crowned?

Adam Dobbin16 July 2020

THE line-up of Run of the Year candidates for the 2019-20 season is just about as formidable as you'll see – but will the right winner be crowned?

Whether it was Sennachie's track record breaking win in last year's Brisbane Cup, Pindari Express' booming run to secure a second Bulli Gold Cup, or Aston Maeve's remarkable last-to-first Ladbrokes Gardens victory in May, this season's nominees each offered up their own spine-tingling performances.

But one stands out above all else.

And as truly remarkable as it was – no it wasn't Good Juan's astonishing Wentworth Park victory last month which captured the imagination of not only racing fans but the general public as well.

I speak of Hooked On Scotch's tantalizing Group 1 Adelaide Cup triumph, the first of two Run of the Year nominations the Jason Thompson-trained superstar earned, the other his sublime track record breaking Sandown run in a heat of the Melbourne Cup last November.

Voting is currently underway with Greyhound Clubs Australia (GCA) to determine the 2019-20 Run of The Year.

Designated media and officials submit their votes to GCA publicity officer Neil Brown with the winner announced at the annual awards night later in the year.

And up until Good Juan's mind-boggling Wentworth Park performance it was considered a foregone conclusion that the award was already signed, sealed and delivered to Hooked On Scotch's owners Darren and Michael Puleio.

And it still should be.

What Good Juan's visually captivating performance did for greyhound racing can't be understated – It provided money can't buy exposure.

Yet Hooked On Scotch's Adelaide Cup heroics at Angle Park, miraculously running down fellow champion sprinters Sennachie and Whiskey Riot right on the line in a thrilling finish, will go down as one of the more memorable Group 1 triumphs we've seen.

Just as much for the champion opposition he beat than the thrilling way he won.

The below links to the monthly nominees highlight the outstanding collection of performances that made the grade for season 2019-20.

It's terrific viewing yet there's no doubt all told, Hooked On Scotch's Adelaide Cup victory sits perched above them all.

And when the award is handed out later this year, let's hope it reflects that.

July 2019 – Sennachie