Vale Angela Modra
The SA greyhound racing industry is today mourning the passing of industry stalwart, Angela Modra, who passed away last Friday aged 78.
Angela was an industry trailblazer for female greyhound trainers, having held a trainer’s licence for nearly 60 years as one of the very first female trainers ever registered.
She made her start caring for animals when working as a vet nurse working for renowned greyhound veterinarian Jim Gannon while also clipping and grooming pets in the Warrandyte area.
Angela’s early involvement in the industry was alongside fellow trailblazers, the late Karen Leek and Sandra Reed (daughter of legendary trainer Paul Hogan and a former Victorian GBOTA Chair) and trained her first champion Lufra Boy in the 1960’s racing across Victoria and New South Wales.
Eventually moving to SA in the early 1990’s and settling at a picturesque Gawler River property, Angela’s lifetime in greyhounds was again rewarded when her pride and joy Silver Saul burst onto the National stage, emerging as one of the sport’s biggest stars.
His ascent to the very top, which included the SA Sprint Championship, a third placing in the National Sprint final, a second place in the Australian Cup and representation twice in the Top Gun, was culminated by winning the Shootout in 2002, where he produced a sensational performance to win the then Group 2 feature.
Following Silver Saul, Angela’s impact on the industry continued in recent years as a very successful trainer and a breeder, whilst also being a continual source of help and advice for anyone who needed it in the industry.
Greyhound Racing SA CEO, Brenton Scott said Angela had a profound impact on the industry.
“There are few people in our great industry that have impacted as positively as Angela was able to.” Scott said.
“She proudly led the way for female trainers and her love for greyhounds, indeed all animals, was central to her training philosophy and no doubt the backbone of her considerable success.
“Her willingness to guide and quietly help others without fuss or fanfare was inbuilt in her character… a great thinker, a genuine people engager and the biggest of hearts.
“I doubt that anybody could have endured her challenging circumstances over the past six months as bravely and as selflessly as she did.
“All in the greyhound industry extend our condolences to partner Jack, son Mark and other family members on her passing, she will be sorely missed by so many.”