Legends line greyhound Hall of Fame

By Paul Pickering
SANDOWN Greyhound Racing Club patriarch Henry Harrison was remembered as a trailblazer of the sport at Sunday’s launch of the Greyhound Racing Victoria Hall of Fame.
The former SGRV chairman – who died in 2005, aged 91 – was among 36 inaugural inductees named at the Hall of Fame function at Sandown Park.
Harrison served as chairman between 1964 and 1987, before handing the role over to his son-in-law, Geoff Dawson.
Dawson remembered his mentor as an influential and honourable man whose passion for greyhound racing dated back to his teenage years. “I don’t think the SGRC would be here today without his influence,” he declared.
Harrison was largely responsible for securing off-course TAB coverage for greyhound racing in 1966. During the ’80s, he presided over the planning of Sandown Park’s distinctive $4 million grandstand, which now bears his name.
Another popular local inductee was legendary Dandenong-trained stayer Lizrene, the winner of back-to-back Sandown Cups in 1971-2, 1973 Victorian Greyhound of the Year and one-time Australian stakes record holder.
Lizrene, trained by the late Peter McGuinness, raced 97 times over her stellar career, recording 56 wins (22 at Sandown Park), 19 seconds and 12 thirds.
McGuiness’ wife Roma described the honour as “unbelievable, absolutely amazing.” “It’s great that she has been remembered after such a long time,” she gushed.
Long-time SGRC secretary John ‘Jack’ McKenna was inducted in the Pioneer category, while West Dandenong trainer Ned ‘Silver Fox’ Bryant was recognised for a 50-year career that was highlighted by wins in the 1985 Melbourne Cup and 1991 Australian Cup.