The sport is in mourning after the passing of trainer Robert Plunkett earlier this week.

His participation spanned over 50 years.

“He wasn’t a big trainer, but a really good one and he was very thorough,” said Phillip Vogelzang, close friend of Plunkett.

Vogelzang went to school with Plunkett with their friendship lasting 70 years.

“He gave me a giveaway as something to start with in the sport, that was about 40 years ago. We’ve been partners with greyhounds since and we really enjoyed it.”

“He was a retired gardener but he loved fishing and greyhounds, they were his life.”

Plunkett’s family have opted for a private cremation.