Graeme Wood, who gave many years of service to trotting as a horseman and administrator, passed away on September 18 aged 86.
He had a lengthy association with the sport at Yarra Glen as a long standing committee member of the Yarra Glen Harness Racing Club (now Yarra Valley Racing).
Graeme was also secretary of the YGHRC for several years from the mid 1980s and his contribution to the club saw him recognised with life membership of the organisation.
He is also the only person to receive the honour of life membership of the current Yarra Valley Racing organisation.
Graeme grew up around horses and upon selling a successful manufacturing business and retiring to Dixon’s Creek, near Yarra Glen, he took an active involvement in trotting.
As a hobby trainer/driver he achieved success with a small team and his first horse, Tarport Andrew, while not a great performer here would later be sold to Macau and win 22 races, 14 of those breaking 2:00.
Graeme had success with other horses, including Persian Spring (seven wins), however his best horse was the top mare Melleray in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The home bred daughter of Meadow Looney won 15 races for Graeme and wife Stephanie, including the 1992 Queen Of The Pacific among six wins at Moonee Valley. The mare was driven in all her wins by local reinsman Michael Hayes. Melleray also produced False Pretence (four wins for the Wood family) and Copyright (five wins).
Graeme had not enjoyed the best of health in recent times and will be missed by all at his local course.
A respected gentleman of the sport, Graeme is survived by wife Stephanie and their children.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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