It was to be a ‘comeback’ to rival Dame Nellie Melba but, tragically, it never eventuated. Superstar Simon Told Helen was on the verge of a sensational return to racing.
The reigning Australian Greyhound of the Year hadn’t raced since finishing third to Ebby Infrared in the Listed ‘The Collerson’ (520m) at Wentworth Park on January 23, just three days shy of his third birthday.
Simon Told Helen was retired to stud, but fertility issues paved the way for an unexpected comeback.
He was recently sent ‘north’ by his owners, the Emma’s Boys syndicate, to the Grandchester kennels of leading Queensland trainer Tony Brett.
However, in devastating circumstances, Simon Told Helen has passed away after suffering a twisted bowel.
It’s shock news to his legion of fans who were captivated by his stellar career.
Simon Told Helen – dubbed “The Nose” due to his famous Roman proboscis – exited the racing arena a four-time Group 1 winner.
Trained by David Burnett, the contemporary sprinting champion started 48 times for 26 wins, 13 seconds and two thirds. His stakes total $918,941 – placing him ninth on Greyhound Clubs Australia’s ‘Top Prizemoney Earners’ list.
Simon Told Helen’s G1 ‘fab four’ are the Silver Chief, Perth Cup, Harrison-Dawson and Maturity Classic. And he also won the G2 Geelong Gold Cup – all of these in 2020.
And last year, he was runner-up in the G1 Topgun, G1 Melbourne Cup, G1 Dapto Megastar, G2 Warrnambool Cup and G3 Silver Bullet. He was also a finalist in the G1 Temlee and G1 Brisbane Cup.
In 2019, Simon Told Helen won the G2 Queensland Derby, G3 Cup Night Sprint and G3 Great Chase (defeating his ill-fated litter brother, Who Told Stevie). He was also runner-up in the G3 Silver Bullet.
Revered for his explosive early and mid-race ‘catch-me-if-you-can’ tactics, Simon Told Helen competed in 16 group race finals – including nine G1s.
Owned and bred by the Emma’s Boys syndicate, managed by Brian Parsons, Simon Told Helen (Jan ’18 Barcia Bale x Who Told Lindylu) was also crowned the 2019/20 Australian Greyhound of the Year.
Pawnote: Who Told Stevie tragically passed away from a suspected blood clot in October last year.
WATCH: SIMON TOLD HELEN (3) wins the 2020 Group 1 Maturity Classic over HARD STYLE RICO (1) and TIGGERLONG TONK (4).
