Exactly 10 years ago today Betty’s Angel broke her maiden status at the Meadows in a best of the night time of 29.76sec, as the Bartolo family watched the beginning of what would turn out to be an amazing journey.

By the end of 2007, Betty’s Angel had won the Group 1 2006 Sapphire Crown, Group 1 2006 Melbourne Cup, Group 3 2007 Interstate Challenge held at Angle Park, Group 1 2007 Perth Cup and was crowned the 2006 Greyhound of the Year.

“Betty was always something special. She broke in really well, Betty and her sister Miss Mini Mouse were the best two out of the litter. When we used to trial them people were so surprised when we told them their age or level of experience – there was a lot of talent there from the start,” said owner Diane Bartolo.

Sadly at the end of 2015, Betty’s Angel passed away but left a legacy behind that would not be forgotten.

“Mum’s name was Betty and she was always interested in the greyhounds and always asking us how they were going. Paul and I decided to name a dog after her and we came up with Betty’s Angel, so we always believed that mum was watching over all of us,” Bartolo explained.

During her star-studded career, Betty’s Angel amassed almost half a million dollars in prize money ($441,570) from 43 races. With such a decorated career, Diane still finds difficult to pick one race as her favourite.

“She gave hope to the small trainers and breeders; all of a sudden they had a we can do it mindset” – DIANE BARTOLO 

“My personal favourite was the Sapphire Crown because both Betty’s Angel and Leprechaun Pace were in it. Leprechaun Pace was leading the race most of the way and Paul and I were arguing during the race about who was going to win, thankfully Betty ended up winning so I won that one too!”

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WATCH: Betty’s Angel win the 2006 Group 1 Sapphire Crown at Sandown Park from box 7.
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“Overall though, I actually cannot describe the Melbourne Cup. The whole family was there and it was so surreal. To run that time (29.51sec) was exciting, Betty’s Angel and Miss Mini Mouse getting the quinella for our kennel and being the first litter sisters to ever do so made it feel almost like an out of body experience. It’s hard to put it into words,” continued Diane.

“During the time of Betty’s Angel, she gave hope to the small trainers and breeders, all of a sudden they had a we can do it mindset.”

The Bartolo’s will not only remember Betty’s Angel for her stellar career, but also for her loving nature; she will always be known for her wagging tail and love for people.

“Betty was such an amazing dog and she created so many memories for Paul and I and even my son Ray who always handled her. I will always say that she was an absolute superstar and I believe a greyhound like that only comes along once in a blue moon.”

After Betty passed Diane bought Superstar and Blue Moon roses to plant on her grave.