The race is named in his honour, but Stevie Simpson finally emerged triumphant in the Stevie Simpson Cup at Floreat Dog Beach this morning in his third year trying.

The West Coast squad gathered at the beach with their dogs for the race this morning, with coach Adam Simpson’s dog Stevie crossing the line first.

Luke Shuey’s dog Harvey, who didn’t compete this time, and Josh Kennedy’s dog Phillip took out the race in the first two years, but Stevie would not be denied in 2019, despite a brief false start from some of the more eager dogs.

Simpson was beaming after the race and revealed there was as succession plan in place with a fresh puppy Jesse training up at home.

“He’s never won, Stevie, we’ve just named the race after him,” Simpson said.

“Now we wear it with pride.

“We’ve got a new puppy at home in training for next year so Jesse and Stevie next year.

“I took him down here on the weekend, just to scope out the area and we live around the corner so a bit of a home ground advantage.

“I haven’t actually put a lot of work into it.”

The players then hit the water for a swim.

“It’s just a good recognition of dogs I suppose and I think over half the list have got dogs so it’s a bit of fun,” Simpson said.

“It’s good for the boys to have a bit of a break. It’s right in the middle of the pre-season, so recovery today, bring the dogs down, have a bit of fun.”