Sad Passing Of Denise Fysh

The Tasmanian greyhound fraternity was rocked early this week with the tragic news Hobart GRC chairperson Denise Fysh had sadly passed away after a short battle with cancer.

Denise was a true advocate of greyhounds and a devoted lover of the code.

She stood proudly on the board of the HGRC for over 13 years, elected to the committee in 2005 before becoming chairperson in 2006.

She worked tirelessly during her tenure, described by many as the backbone of the club. She always provided a strong voice for Hobart, be it at reference groups or state conferences.

One of Denise's key achievements was to make the Hobart Thousand – one of Australia's oldest feature races on the calendar – the best it could possibly be, both nationally and locally.

She drove hard to support the establishment of the Tasmanian Greyhound Racing Hall of Fame in 2007, which has remained an integral part of the Hobart Thousand Dinner held each year in December, the showcase event for Tasmanian Greyhound Racing.

Denise will also be remembered as a rather skilled trainer on the Apple Isle, having produced 137 winners from 707 runners, giving her an excellent strike rate of 19%.

Some of Denise's most noted training achievements were:

Main Drive won 18 including 3^rd in an Easter Cup and 2^nd in the 2001 Maiden Thousand, Nimble Miss won 15 , beating the Hall of Famer Stylish Doctor in the 2002 Easter Cup. Perfect Socks won 13, including the 2010 Easter Cup, and a finalist in an Oaks and Devonport Cup. King Castle was another smart type that won the 2003 Maiden Thousand.

News of Denise's passing filtered nation wide this week, well liked and respect among all her peers.

Racing Queensland Strategic and Development Manager Brenton Scott spoke highly of Denise.

"A great and passionate advocate for the national greyhound industry and the special space that Tasmanian greyhound racing has within it," Brenton said proudly.

"The Hobart Nationals were and will remain as a fitting tribute to Denise's ‘can do' enthusiasm and dedication, marketing and promotional capacity and canny financial management skills.

"A terrific, genuine person whose friendship and racing administration contribution was highly valued and will be greatly missed."

Denise's funeral is to be held next Friday 12^th April, with a wake to be held later at TAB Park Elwick at 1.30pm.