Caption: Queensland Young Achiever of the Year Jemma Daley with Chase Newspaper Editor, Pat McLeod. Chase is a proud sponsor of the award (Photo: Box 1 Photography) 

By Isaac Murphy

Young Achiever Award – Jemma Daley

Jemma Daley has been an injection of positivity since joining the greyhound training ranks.

The former jockey has brought a new set of refreshing ideas that embody what the Young Achiever Award she received at the Queensland Greyhound Awards is all about.

Daley’s infectious personality and willingness to learn have led to crucial relationships with key industry figures and she’s only just getting started.

“I’ll cherish this award. It’s humbling to be recognised as a young achiever in the sport, but I’m in it for the long haul and this is a great confidence booster that I’m heading in the right direction,” Daley said.

“The industry has just embraced me. Without mentors like Mike Stephenson and Tony Glover this is just not possible. I’ve always had that support network to guide me along the way.

“My Grandpa Brian Daley was a greyhound man. He’s proud as punch that I’m making my way. I’m so fortunate to be able to combine ideas I might get off him with my own philosophies.”

Daley burst on the scene with a trio of Fernando Bale/Hara’s Annie’s pups provided by owner Tony Glover. It was the start she needed and has a taste for more success.

“It hasn’t always been easy. You go through your ups and downs. I don’t have a huge amount racing at the moment, but know if I keep working hard it’s only a matter of time before things start going my way,” she said.

“I’ve always had work ethic and when people see you going beyond the bare minimum, hanging around to help out after trials, people start to notice and give you opportunities.

“I don’t sit down and set my goals specifically because I’m already so full bore into what I’m doing. I love it and it makes it a lot easier to get up and make the most out of every day.”

Daley is combining her thoroughbred background and her greyhound knowledge in a revolutionary attempt to attract more people to the sport, already signing on current jockey Bobby El-Issa as an owner.

“I’ve had a long association with Tony Glover, who bred a litter of nine out of Sennachie and Hara’s Annie. He kept four himself and was going to sell the remaining five, but I talked him into letting me train them while syndicating the dogs,” she said.

“Syndication is such a big part of thoroughbred ownership and it’s one of the many ideas I’ve brought from my time as a jockey. I’ve already sold ten percent of each pup. Hopefully when I’ve sold all the shares that’s a whole lot of casual fans now invested in the sport.

“You have to do it with quality pups though.”