ONE of Tasmania’s most popular chasers Big Moose has been named 2009 Tasmanian Greyhound of the Year.
Big Moose was retired late last year through injury but he had done enough to earn the title.
The GOTY is awarded on a points score basis with dogs only eligible if they have been domiciled in Tasmania for three months of that year and have won at least eight races in the state during that time frame.
Big Moose was retired in November last year through injury but he had done enough to earn the title.
The classy black dog made an appearance at the function to a standing ovation, testament to his endeavour on the racetrack.
The Butch Deverell-trained dog started 34 times last year for 20 wins and seven minor placings.
Big Moose’s biggest wins included the Group 2 Launceston Cup, a heat of the Group 3 Devonport Cup, a heat and final of the TGOTBA division one series in Hobart, a heat and final of the J G Nelson Division 1 Cup in Launceston and the Noel Vince Memorial in Hobart.
Big Moose is owned by Brian and Justin Crawford who also bred the dog from their foundation broodbitch Edan Rose.
“We are very lucky to have had such a great litter at our first attempt at breeding,” Justin Crawford said.
“To end up with Big Moose is just amazing.”
“We probably won’t get another one as good as the Boss (Big Moose) but maybe he’ll sire one as good – we can only hope,” he said.
While Big Moose’s (x Collide) racing days are over his name will live on as he is standing at stud for a modest fee of $800.
Deverell said Big Moose is the best he’s trained.
“I’ve said all along that Big Moose is the best I’ve trained and I’m sure we never saw the best of him,” Deverell said.
“It is very fitting that he should be named greyhound of the year at the end of his racing career,” he said.
Big Moose (Collide-Edan Rose) finished his racing career with an imposing record of 50 wins and 21 minor placings for $172,332 in stakes from only 87 starts.