Some great photos from the 1976 Victorian Greyhound of the Year. Won by top class stayer Bolta’s Gift. Bred by Rod Deakin by Second Stage from his top producer Bolta. She was raced by Graham Ingamells (top bloke still about today). Trained by Billy Van Polen at Keysborough. She had 30 starts for 17 wins, 10 placings, won six feature finals and $29,470 in prizemoney. She won the National Distance Championship, NCA Cup, McKenna and Maidment Memorials and the Harpers Dog Chow Trophy. 500 guests packed the Southern Cross in Melbourne. The winner selected by a Media panel. She beat New Spirit, Carrington Jade, Leeander Mist and Mandarin Girl. Prize was a $7000 Valiant Station Wagon (I drove a Valiant Sedan at one stage cool car). A couple of heavy weights on stage Governor of Victoria Sir Henry Winneke and former Melbourne wingman Brian Dixon Sports Minster at the time. Hall of Famer Pat Haas was Leading Owner of the year after previously winning Leading Lady Trainer and overall Leading Trainer.
