The sport is in mourning after the recent passing of Allan Hawkswell (brother of Ron).

He was extremely passionate about racing and in particular greyhounds.

He fulfilled a number of roles at many clubs, most recently a regular judge at Sandown Park, Cranbourne and Geelong.

He worked at Cranbourne in a variety of roles for over 25 years.

He shared a strong working relationship with long-time Sandown Park judges Ian Uren and Pat Ryan, who worked with Hawkswell for 20 years.

“It was a pleasure working with Al, he had a heart of gold. He was very passionate about judging and anything to do with racing – he just loved it,” said Uren, also on behalf of Ryan.

Hawkswell also served as a betting supervisor at Sandown Park and MGRA.

He also worked as a sub-editor for popular newspaper National Greyhound Form.

His funeral will be held at Crick Chapel at Fawkner Memorial Park from 2.45pm next Thursday August 29.

Race 2 at The Meadows this Saturday is named in his honour.