David Geall was named Australian Trainer of the Year at Greyhound Clubs Australia’s annual Nationals Awards in Sydney on Friday night.
Geall, pictured above, had a stunning 2022 racing season, with highlights including winning the TAB Melbourne Cup with Koblenz and steering country cups king Ferdinand Boy to his 50th career victory.
The Lara trainer was one of a number of Victorians recognised at the prestigious ceremony, which saw representatives from jurisdictions all over Australia in attendance ahead of Saturday night’s National Sprint and National Distance Grand Finals at Wentworth Park.
Fernando Bale, who stands with Paul Westerveld in Victoria’s south east, was named Australian Sire of the Year, while fellow stud dog, the late Barcia Bale, who also stood with Westerveld, was inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame.
Mepunga Rosie was named the ‘Paul Wheeler Dam of the Year’ with her star progeny including Group 1 winning stayer Mepunga Ruby as well as Enter The Son, Mepunga Isla, Mepunga Maggie, Driftin’ Away, Mepunga Warrior and Suntory Rose.
2022 GCA NATIONALS AWARDS
Australian Greyhound of the Year: She’s A Pearl (NSW)
Australian Trainer of the Year: David Geall (VIC)
Australian Sire of the Year: Fernando Bale (VIC)
Australian ‘Paul Wheeler’ Dam of the Year: Mepunga Rosie (VIC)
Australian Hall of Fame: Barcia Bale – Sire (VIC)
Australian Hall of Fame: Martin Hallinan – Breeder (NSW)
Run of the Year: Extra Malt (QLD)
Denise Fysh Award: Stevie White – Catcher (NSW)
Related: Sire and Dam Rankings
Pictured right: Fernando Bale and Paul Westerveld.
WATCH: Queensland greyhound Extra Malt (4) was awarded the Australian Run of the Year for this performance at Albion Park.
