Emma Pritchard

Nothing, not even sleep deprivation off the back of a long drive from Rockhampton, was going to stop Queensland trainer Tom Tzouvelis from heading to Grafton on April 20 to watch his champion campaigner Valhalla compete in the inaugural running of the Jack Somerville Northern Rivers Cup Final.

Worth $50000 to the winner, the 450m feature event was hosted by the Grafton Greyhound Racing Club, and was affectionately referred to as Jack’s race, after it was named in honour of respected Northern NSW veterinarian Jack Somerville, who passed away in January, aged 78.

Jumping from box 6 as the short-priced favourite, Valhalla quickly sprinted to the lead in the back straight and darted clear as the field turned for home, surging to the line to win by more than two lengths and stopping the clock at 25.19 seconds.

Sentimental hometown favourite Albert’s Memory, who secured his place in the final off the back of an impressive win on the track one week earlier, ran his heart out to finish second for trainer Reg Gardoll.

Another local, Isurava, trained by Gary Smith, finished third.

As the celebrations began, Valhalla’s winning connections were embraced by members of the Somerville family, who graciously thanked the Grafton Greyhound Racing Club and their successful collaboration with the Tweed Heads Coursing Club and the Casino Greyhound Racing Club in creating the event as a tribute to a man described by many as a true gentleman.

“We are very honoured to be able to run this race in memory of a great man,” said President of the Grafton Greyhound Racing Club John Corrigan as he fought back tears while acknowledging the Somerville family, including Jack’s widow Carol, who he presented with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the club following the feature event.

“The owners and trainers really appreciated the job Jack did for us.”

CEO of the Tweed Heads Coursing Club Steve McGrath was proud to announce the race will become an annual fixture, with the Casino Racing Club to host the Jack Somerville Northern Rivers Cup Final in 2025.

“For as long as we can, we’ll be honouring Jack Somerville for what he did (throughout his career),” he said.

Wiping away tears, Mrs Somerville told the Clarence Valley Independent it was brilliant to be in Grafton to watch the inaugural running of the race last week, while the winning trainer revealed he was determined to be at the track “to see Carol and show Jack the respect he deserved.”

The Grafton Greyhound Racing Club will host their next race meeting on April 28.