Freedom Emma being crowned ‘Bitch of the Year’ at the GRBG National Greyhound Awards at the Hilton on Sunday was thoroughly deserved.

The Oaks winner was always a leading fancy for the title after landing the bitches classic and what an emotional night it was for the family of the late Stuart Locke-Hart, led by his son Ed.

The award was presented by track supremo John Haynes who, knowing Stuart, would have been delighted. Bitches were always Stuart’s favourite choice of greyhound.

But it wasn’t just winning the Oaks that earned her recognition. Her career record is impressive. She competed in 43 open races from her 45 starts, winning 18 by an average of three lengths, finishing 11 times,and winning around £15,000 in prizemoney.

Everybody at Oxford saw her potential after she won the Trafalgar Cup as a puppy, and her trainer Richard Yeates must take great credit for guiding her through a career hit by niggling injuries, one of which almost saw Yeates on the verge of pulling her out of the Oaks.

Having been second in the Oaks in 2009 and winner last year, Yeates may have a third shot at the classic this year, but already, enquiries have come in about her future breeding plans, including one from Australia.