Graham Thurkettle, known to his legion of friends as "Polly" (as in Polly put the kettle on) died on Sunday morning aged 80.
"Polly" who trained out of Harden, in the NSW Riverina, was among the most loved participants in our sport.
His wife Pat passed away several years ago and they are survived by their three children and grandchildren.
"Polly" had been in poor health for the past 12 months but had been looking forward to winning more races with a young dog called Bushwacker, who won on debut at Temora on February 21 and was runner-up at his most recent outing at the same track on May 22.
Lifelong friend, Wallandbeen (Cootamundra) trainer Jack Roy, said: "Polly had a good opinion of Bushwacker, he is a smart dog.
"But his best greyhound would have been the good stayer Irish Marina, who won 15 races and filled 26 placings from 2010 to 2012.''
Irish Marina went on to become a successful brood bitch, with her offspring winning 219 races between 2015 and 2022.
Personally I will miss catching up with "Polly" on his rare visits to Wentworth Park, as he was always quick with a joke and a story and greeted everyone with a huge, friendly smile.
GRNSW and its staff wish to extend its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of one of the sport's greatest and most likable characters, Graham "Polly" Thurkettle.
