Buckley trainers Lisa and Ian Cockerell received the thrill of their lives when their much-loved superstar Hector Fawley was crowned Victoria’s Greyhound of the Year for the 2023-24 season.

In a twist, Drill Sergeant was crowned Victorian Stayer of the Year, while Explicit claimed Victorian Sprinter of the Year in a hotly-contested category.

But Hector Fawley’s season across both the sprinting and staying trips saw him eclipse all of his rivals for the top gong.

His late 2023 calendar year included a group 1 win in the Hume Cup, a runner-up finish to Big Energy in the group 3 Shootout, and a third placing to Schillaci in the Phoenix. A stunning win in the Sandgroper capped off his season.

His record as the third fastest ever over the 595m (33.463) at Sandown , behind track record holder Collinda Patty (33.562) and Dyna Double One (33.630), also went in his favour, as well as holding the back split record of 22.77.

He also holds the (600m) back split record at The Meadows at 21.53 ahead of Extreme Magic (21.58), Dyna Double One (21.62) and Paua To Burn (21.63).

Drill Sergeant’s consistency throughout the 2023-24 season made him the obvious choice for Stayer of the Year.

He won the group 1 Sale Cup on New Year’s Eve, finished second to Palawa King in the group 1 Fanta Bale Stayers Final, second to Valpolicella in the group 1 Garrard’s Gold Cup at Albion Park, won the Bendigo Stayers Final and also finished second in the group 3 Fireball.

Meanwhile, Team Thompson could have had multiple candidates for sprinter of the year, with group 1 winners Transponder and Tim Zoo obvious contenders.

But the gong went to kennelmate Explicit. He raced 25 times for 19 wins in 2023-24, bursting onto the scene in the group 3 Great Chase Final, before going onto claim a Temlee, a Shepparton Cup and a Ballarat Cup.