The NSW greyhound racing industry is in mourning following the passing of Muswellbrook Greyhound Racing Club President Maurice ‘Maurie’ Gray.
A former trainer and enthusiastic supporter of greyhound racing for most of his life, Mr Gray was known as the voice of the NSW Hunter Valley club for half-a-century.
He was also well-known throughout the greyhound racing industry and the wider Muswellbrook community as a loyal supporter of both the sport and other community organisations.
Muswellbrook club secretary and treasurer Dennis Bamback said Mr Gray had been a wonderful asset to greyhound racing.
“He was definitely well-known throughout the industry,” Mr Bamback said.
“Unfortunately he never had a greyhound who was a world-beater, but that didn’t stop his love for the sport. I think for him he developed a love for the people he met in the sport.
“He didn’t mind a punt and a beer now and then and he was a good bloke.
“There’s a lot of good people involved in greyhound racing and he was one of them.”
Mr Gray had been president of the NSW Hunter Valley club since 2003, but his involvement with the sport with the sport stretches back decades.
Introduced to the sport by family, Mr Gray was a trainer for several years before moving into administrative roles with the Muswellbrook club in the late 1980s.
He served the club as a director and club relations officer and was also the track race caller for about 50 years until last year.
Mr Gray was also well known in the Muswellbrook region for his love of market gardening, as well as being a supporter of various community groups.
He was 80. His funeral took place on Tuesday.
