The greyhound community is mourning the recent passing of Terry Proctor, aged 83.
Proctor spent decades training greyhounds in Gippsland with his wife Bev and they had constant success. He was known and respected by many for his invaluable knowledge.
“Early on they trained for about seven years before us girls got involved in horse riding. After our teen years they got back into training,” said daughter Terri Morris.
Prior to a successful career, the family’s introduction to the sport was an unconventional one.
“When I was about five-years-old we were driving between Stratford and Bairnsdale,” Morris said.
“We saw a dog on the loose which was a greyhound, Mum and Dad found the owner who was quite happy for us to keep the dog. Mum and Dad ended up training it and won races in Melbourne!”
One of Proctor’s biggest achievements was winning the 1995 Silver Chief with Zealous Guy.
“With every litter they bred they had success,” Morris said.
“They were one of the first to use Brett Lee, he was put to Fairy Wings who produced 13 pups and all but one won races.”
Proctor was a go-to-guy for his knowledge, and in this case, quite simplistic with his advice.
“Someone once asked me to ask Dad how to make a dog faster. I asked Dad and his answer was, ‘tell him to give the dog good food and plenty of pats’.”
Proctor passed away on Monday 24 May. His funeral will be held at the Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club this Friday 31 May commencing at 11.30am.
