Benalla breeding icon Lindsay Wilsmore recently passed away peacefully at Morrie Evans Wing, Benalla Health, aged 93.

He and his late wife, Athalia, were renowned for their breeding acumen.

The Wilsmores established a successful greyhound racing relationship with training doyen, Allan Britton.

Now residing in WA – in Lakelands, on the outskirts of Mandurah – Britton, 89, paid tribute to a “real friend”.

“Lindsay was close to the best of the breeders I had supplying me dogs,” he said. “I got to know him while living in Portland while he was the lighthouse keeper.

“He was a terrific bloke and became a real friend. Lindsay was also 100 per cent genuine and if he said anything, you could vouch for him that it was right.”

Britton added that the Wilsmores were meticulous with breeding and rearing greyhounds.

“Their pups all looked good and most turned out good on the track,” he said.

“Lindsay never queried the way I trained. We never had a dispute; he was an ideal fella.”

“Lindsay never queried the way I trained. We never had a dispute; he was an ideal fella.”

When the Brittons relocated to Perth to be closer to their daughter, Linda, they didn’t lose contact.

“We kept in touch and when Lindsay would answer the phone he’d say, ‘is that Brittons mansion’? He had a great sense of humour. We’d often talk for more than an hour.”

Britton trained greyhounds the ilk of Singalong, Barb’s Tune and Jill’s Song for the Wilsmores. His son, Robert, prepared Ravello.

All were out of prepotent brood matron Barb’s Melody (Satan’s Legend x Barb’s Song) – who was born on New Year’s Day in 1980 – and sired by champion Chariot Supreme.

Barb’s Melody whelped three litters by Chariot Supreme and one by Roy Trease.

She also produced stars such as Freewheeler, Barbariot, Ben’s Chariot and Big Ted.

Lindsay Wilsmore with another ‘homegrown’ breeding success 📷 Supplied

Below is a racing snapshot of Barb’s Melody’s outstanding progeny:

Singalong (28 wins from 80 starts) – 1990 Melbourne Cup (2^nd); 1991 Australian Cup (7^th); 1990 Geelong Cup (2^nd); 1991 Horsham Cup (3^rd); 1991 Gold Collar (2^nd); 1991 Henry Harrison Easter Cup (2^nd)

Ravello (30 from 110) – Won: 1990 Sapphire Classic, 1990 Geelong Cup, 1990 Bendigo Cup & 1991 Henry Harrison Easter Cup; 1991 Australian Cup (4^th); 1990 Maturity Classic (3^rd); 1991 Warragul Cup (2^nd); 1990 Shepparton Cup (3^rd); 1991 Warrnambool Cup (4^th); 1990 Gold Collar (2^nd); 1991 The Black Douglas (2^nd);

Freewheeler (20 from 44) – Won: 1988 NSC state final; 1988 Maturity Classic (2^nd); 1987 Silver Chief (6^th); 1988 Bendigo Cup (3^rd); 1988 Cranbourne Cup (5^th); 1989 Ballarat Cup (6^th)

Barb’s Tune (12 from 65) – Won: 1991 Laurels Classic

Barbariot (35 from 86) – 1988 Melbourne Cup (6^th); 1988 Wangaratta Cup (4^th); 1989 Ballarat Cup (5^th); 1989 Warrnambool Cup (5^th)

Big Ted (18 from 57) – 1988 Maturity Classic (8^th); 1988 Wangaratta Cup (3^rd); 1987 Bendigo Cup (5^th); 1989 Warragul Cup (5^th); 1988 Warragul Cup (6^th); 1988 Shepparton Cup (7^th)

Jill’s Song (14 from 28) – 1992 Tweed Heads Galaxy Consolation (2^nd); 1992 Geelong Cup Consolation (4^th)

Ben’s Chariot (23 from 84) – Won: 1990 Henry Harrison Easter Cup

Pawnote: Lindsay George Wilsmore was the loved and loving husband of Athalia “Thail” (dec).

He was the much-loved father and father-in-law of Janine, Daryl (dec) and Paul, Andrea, Wendy and Ben.

He was the loved and adored Pa to all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Lindsay’s family also sincerely thanked all the wonderful staff of Morrie Evans Wing for their professionalism, support and care shown to Lindsay and family whilst he was in their care.