Ron Hood has added another honour to his long list of achievements in greyhound racing, being awarded the 2024/25 Ken Carr Medal in recognition of his excellence and service to the industry.

Father of Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club Manager Jodie Faralla, Melbourne Cup–winning trainer Seona Thompson, and respected bank manager Carolyn Hood, Ron raised his daughters with love, integrity and a strong work ethic.

He began his journey in the sport as a greyhound trainer before transitioning his methodical skills into administration, taking on the management of the Ballarat track.

“Greyhound racing started as a family experience for us,” Jodie said.

“It’s the little things I remember – like Carolyn and I getting into our pyjamas before a long drive home from the races at Warrnambool or Horsham. I felt like I did everything with Dad.”

Ron took over the Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club, at a time when it was run by mostly volunteers as the Manager / Grader.

“When he was Grading, Dad could tell you everything about any dog that came through Ballarat,” Jodie said.

“His skills and his hands-on approach made him perfect for the job. He’d be driving the lure one minute and fixing TVs the next. The Ballarat Club really became our home.”

Ron later moved into the role of Central Grader when GRV was based at 1 Queen Street.

“Dad’s time as a Grader was really special for me,” Jodie said.

“I was working at Tabcorp then, just two floors away from him. All I ever wanted was to be around my dad.”

After his Grading days, Ron returned to club life, this time driving the lure – a craft he has since passed on to many others.

“I asked Dad to teach me how to drive the lure because I wanted to be able to do everything at the track,” Jodie said.

“Like he does with everyone, he didn’t just explain it – he placed his hand over mine and guided me on how to move the dial.”

Recently, Ron also taught his grandson – Carolyn’s son Cain – how to drive the lure at Ballarat.

“I love that it’s a family thing. It meant the world to Cain, and it was so special to see him pick it up almost straight away.”

Now following directly in her father’s footsteps as Ballarat Club Manager, Jodie says she feels no pressure from Ron – only from herself.  I’m not too old to “cop a spray” if I get something wrong.

“We’re very similar in how we see the world, and I just adore my dad,” she said.

“He showed us that if you are passionate about what you do for work, it will never feel like a chore.”