with The Greyhound Recorder.

Victoria’s Greyhound Owners Trainers and Breeders Association (GOTBA) have added to the tributes for much-loved trainer Debbie Coleman, who tragically passed away on Sunday night at just 61 years of age.

Coleman, who grew up in a greyhound racing family in the Shoalhaven district of NSW, relocated to Victoria some eight years ago and established a formidable training operation with partner Rob Camilleri.

GOTBA president Greg Doyle described Coleman as someone “highly respected and loved by many”.

“I think I feel like so many people who knew her, it’s a bit hard to believe what’s happened,” Doyle said.

“She was an absolute constant at tracks all over Victoria, you certainly knew when she was there, she loved her dogs and was always willing to help people. There wouldn’t be too many people racing in Victoria who haven’t had some sort of interaction with Deb.

“Rob and Deb have a big kennel but she could tell you every little quirk and personality trait of every dog they have now and had previously, you could tell how much they meant to her, it was quite incredibly really.

“She texted me a couple of questions only late last week which included some fiery remarks about a certain subject, but that was Deb, she was strong willed and said exactly what she thought.

“She was highly respected and loved by many, of course her family, Rob, Ricky Corey, Kayla and Rachel were her greatest passion and on behalf of the GOTBA we offer our heartfelt condolences to the whole family and her closest friends.”

Trainer Terri Morris said she was still coming to terms with the death of her close friend, as they had been texting as recently as Sunday evening.

“I’m still in disbelief as she was absolutely glowing on Saturday night at The Meadows and even up until 8.30pm Sunday night we were still sending each other very entertaining messages,” Morris told the GRV website.

“There’s a lot of tears today and I can’t imagine racing without her. We’re all going to miss her beautiful face so much.”

Morris said Coleman loved her friends, family and her dogs, describing her as someone “who would go above and beyond to help people”.

“Late September it was Lyn Smith’s birthday and we had a little girls’ party at the track,” Morris said.

“Debbie was the first person to arrive to celebrate and cook some cakes.

“Her family and track friends meant the world to her and, trust me, you certainly knew if you were one of her friends.

“She would go above and beyond to help people out, but her true love was Rob, her children, grandchildren and her dogs.”

She was ever present at Nowra meetings and worked in just about every capacity at the popular track before securing a full-time role as a steward with GRNSW from 2014.

“Deb was a constant at the Nowra track and worked in just about every capacity here – from bar service, kennel attendant to club steward,” Nowra Secretary Glenn Midson told The Greyhound Recorder.

“She was utterly dedicated to this place and her work ethic was second to none.

“My kids had their first ever family holiday (in Queensland) due entirely to her kindness – she looked after our dogs while we had a rare break from training.

“Our kids grew up with Deb’s four (Kayla-Jane, Rachel, Ricky and Corey) and she amazingly turned up to work in the bar on a Monday just a couple of days after Corey was born. She was a force of nature.”

Debbie’s respectful approach to participants endeared her further to the greyhound racing fraternity where she was widely respected.

In 2018 and 2019, Debbie enjoyed the ride of her life when training top class sprinter She’s Gifted to a number of big race wins including the Queensland Futurity at Albion Park.

One of her biggest thrills was a third placed finish in the 2018 Melbourne Cup.

Other top notable performers included 33-time winner Zipping Zarbo and grand campaigner Slingshot Titan, winner at 30 of his 59 starts while 2022 Silver Chief finalist Euler Bale won 25 of his 35 races while in Coleman’s care.

GRNSW Acting CEO Wayne Billett was one of a mass of people to speak glowingly about Debbie following her sudden passing.

“There is deep sadness in our industry today following the shock passing of Deb Coleman and the thoughts of everyone at Greyhound Racing NSW goes out to Deb’s family and friends,” Billett said.

“While most people know Deb’s achievements as a trainer, and with Rob she had a great deal of success both in Victoria and when they would bring dogs up to NSW to race, Deb has had a long and successful career in the industry and worked in many, many roles.

“Deb worked for the Nowra club at one point, and after being a casual steward with GRNSW, she took on the role in a full-time capacity stewarding at our South Coast tracks, and I was fortunate to have worked with Deb during that period.

“On behalf of GRNSW I offer our condolences, thoughts and prayers to Rob, and Deb’s children Kayla-Jane, Rachel, Ricky and Corey.”

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Contact GPS for 24 hour support on 1300 739 550.

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