An ongoing contributor to greyhound journalism for more than 45 years, most notably through his Talking Breeding column which featured across numerous publications, Roger leaves behind many friends in the greyhound world and a lasting legacy.
Health issues saw Roger recently sell his online magazine Victorian Greyhound Weekly, however his contribution to greyhound publications stems back to the mid-seventies.
When the original Greyhound Weekly newspaper closed in 1998, after 25 years, he was the only contributor remaining from the first edition.
During his 25 years contributing to Greyhound Weekly, he also had the first ever greyhound column in Australia’s largest rural newspaper, The Weekly Times for 13 years and his breeding charts were published in GRV’s original Greyhound Adviser magazine (now Greyhound Monthly Victoria) for ten years, under the leadership of legendary race caller Bill Collins, who was the Chairman of the Greyhound Racing Control Board (now GRV) at the time.
Roger was also a contributor to National Greyhound Form newspaper followed by Australian Greyhound Racing, Australia’s first online greyhound magazine-style publication, where his Talking Breeding column, including Victorian Metropolitan Sires Lists, were always popular reading for greyhound breeders and breeding enthusiasts.
The announced ban on greyhound racing in NSW, which was later backflipped, saw an abandon of Roger’s weekly column, however he recognised an opportunity, registering the name Victorian Greyhound Weekly, and started his own online magazine which continues today under new management.
“Roger not only had a love for greyhounds but a love for life itself,” said Greyhound Racing Victoria’s General Manager of Strategic Communication, Louise Martin.
“His contribution to greyhound racing was enormous, as demonstrated by the longevity of his popular Talking Breeding column, which has become part of the Victorian greyhound racing fabric.”
“Roger’s establishment of online magazine Victorian Greyhound Weekly has provided an important platform for his Talking Breeding column, Metropolitan Sires List, editorial and greyhound classifieds, and he was delighted with the recent sale of the publication to a person who shares Roger’s passion for the industry.”
“On behalf of the broader greyhound racing community I express my sincere condolences to Roger’s many friends and family.”
Rest in Peace, Roger.
