Sad Passing Of Wendy Brown

THEY say behind every good man is an even better woman.

And it was a sentiment very much to the fore last week with the news that the greyhound industry had lost one of its most revered individuals in Wendy Brown.

Wendy, wife of Cessnock trainer John Brown, sadly passed away following complications during heart surgery, her loss leaving a gaping hole in the Hunter Valley greyhound racing community.

Back in 1970, Wendy Brown, considered the heartbeat of greyhound racing in the Hunter, obtained a female trainers' license, in many ways pioneering a way forward for the ladies' trainer ranks.

Married to the love of her life John for 59 years, the pair were every bit a match made in heaven.

John would often say to your writer: “we're oil and water; but we're good oil and water.”

Their bond unbreakable and their success as a training team considerable across almost six decades.

And while Wendy's deeds with the collar and lead were significant, it was her unrelenting desire to help those around her that she will be best remembered for.

With Wendy, put simply, nothing was too difficult.

Boasting an unbridled passion for greyhound racing and the people in it, Wendy will go down in the annals of history as one of the true pioneers of the female training ranks.

Enjoying tremendous success from their Cessnock property, John and Wendy put the polish on many top line greyhound over the years.

Loved and respected by all that came by her, Wendy's passing will be felt by those in greyhound racing far and wide.

The assistance Wendy provided John during the infancy of The Gardens project was instrumental in the complex opening in 2005.

In recent years, Wendy has gone about improving aspects of greyhound racing in her own unique way.

Never with any fanfare. And never for any recognition.

Her only agenda to help and assist those around her and improve things for the better.

Rest In Peace, Wendy.