Mikayla Clark and Liz Whelan recognised at Entain Industry Excellence Awards
Greyhound racing enjoyed success at the inaugural Entain Industry Excellence Awards, with Liz Whelan and Mikayla Clark deservedly winning their categories.
The awards are designed to recognise and acknowledge the valued input into racing provided by industry participants across all three racing codes aged under 40 years.
The awards were divided into nine categories, with all finalists being awarded $2,000. The winner of each category was rewarded with $10,000, while the overall winner received another $5,000 plus a $5,000 educational grant.
Entain complimented the outstanding quality of the selected finalists, which indicates that the racing industry is in very good hands moving forward into the future.
Israel Dagg and Emily Bosson were the Awards function MCs, and they highlighted each finalist’s credentials.
Liz Whelan was a finalist for the National Racing Woman of the Year, and she received a standing ovation when she was deservedly announced as the winner against four other finalists.
The following is the script that highlighted Liz’s win.
“Liz has been a strong advocate for greyhound racing during some challenging times, but you couldn’t find a better person to advocate for an industry she loves.
“As Chief Operating Officer for Greyhound Racing New Zealand, she has been the key face of the code in the media to outline just how amazing greyhounds are, and the love and care that is shown for them.
“She is comfortable engaging with the range of stakeholders, from handlers through to the Minister for Racing. Her enthusiasm is infectious and greyhound racing is all the luckier for having her on the team.”
“It still hasn’t sunken in yet – I wasn’t confident at all! I never expected to be a finalist, let alone win my category. I was very emotional when I was announced as the winner, as I work, live and breathe the industry – I don’t do it for any accolades.
“It was such an exciting evening, and it was very cool to be there with good friends, and also to have my Mum and Dad there. I’m so very grateful to the industry people who support me,” enthused Whelan, adding:
“I will keep on doing what I’m doing and keep on fighting hard personally and professionally for the industry. I love the work, and it’s not a job to me.
“Entain is amazing for the industry. They have been so innovative and professional, while providing plenty of motivation to the codes and participants. They are doing a brilliant job, and it was so amazing being in a room full of so many talented people. A big thank you to them!”
Liz Whelan also acknowledged Mark Rosanowski, who provided her with her start in the racing industry.
“I also wish to thank Roso for taking a chance on me 12 years ago by employing me at Trackside. That kick-started my career in the racing industry, which had already been a lifelong passion of mine. Back then, I was working as a lawyer, but spent many of my lunch breaks at the Right Track TAB in Auckland!”
Mikayla Clark was announced as the winner of the Greyhound Excellence Award, and the script read for her is as follows.
“Based in the relative greyhound racing outpost of Manaia in Taranaki, Mikayla is shooting up through the ranks of the trainers’ premiership, going from seven wins in 2021-22, and – as of the final week of the season – she was close to bringing up 50 wins for the 2023-24 racing season, while taking the likes of Three Shirt Day and Highview Amber through to open class.
“Her small team of greyhounds thrive in her kennel, and this is evidenced by her picking up doubles and trebles at Friday night racing.”
“I was shocked – pretty much surprised to be named as the winner. It’s definitely a career highlight for me and it certainly has capped off the season nicely.
“It was a really nice weekend, seeing what the industry is all about and catching up with so many wonderful industry people.
“I’ve had so many congratulatory messages since then and I wish to thank those people who supported me. I will continue to go with the flow and carry on making sure the dogs are happy by continuing doing what I’m doing,” expressed Clark.
Other greyhound code category finalists included:
Leadership – Sarah Clausen
Greyhound Excellence – Katie Wyllie and Corey Steele
Dedication to Racing – Jasmine Leigh
Care & Welfare – Erika Matterson
The overall Industry Excellence Award winner was Cameron Ring, who is the Cambridge Stud Bloodstock Manager.
It was a very well attended awards function in Auckland which was kindly sponsored by IRT, Windsor Park Stud, Waikato Stud and Breckon Farms.
By Peter Fenemor
