Shima Rock Shining Brightly For Wilson

IT was back in July that a routine phone conversation between long time good mates Gary Wilson and David Gleeson took a slight change in direction.

IT was in July that a routine phone call between good mates Gary Wilson and David Gleeson took a slight change in direction.

"Please David," Wilson bellowed.

"I don't want a champion but can you send me something over that can run. Just for a bit of interest."

The phone call ended there but Wilson's plea resonated with Gleeson.

A week later, plonked on the tarmac of Perth Airport was well performed greyhound Shima Rock, gifted to Wilson by Gleeson to race over in the west under the care of trainer Joe Dailly.

Shima Rock, winner of four races in Victoria, is a brother to Gleeson's TAB Million Dollar Chase favourite Shima Shine, one of the superstars of Australian greyhound racing.

"When I saw he was a brother to Shima Shine I said that's great but does anyone know if Muhammad Ali's brother could throw a punch?" Wilson grinned.

"But being serious David's a wonderful man. He's been a dear friend for 40 years and we talk three times a week. I can't thank him enough for giving me this dog. He's given me a lot of fun."

Since arriving in Perth, Shima Rock has raced seven times for two wins and two placings, demonstrating he's going to prove a more than handy money-spinner in the west for Wilson.

"He's looking for an oxygen tank at the end of the 520m so the 400s will be his go I think," Wilson said.

"He'd make a good Mandurah dog but Joe lives completely the other way up near Northam. It's too far for him to go."

Next year Wilson – who was rendered a quadriplegic after swallowing a dummy when just three months old – turns 70.

His marginal eyesight is under 10 percent.

But don't for one second think that has dampened his always remarkable zest and enthusiasm for life.

"I've always got a smile on my face," Wilson said.

"And I've been married to my dear wife Norma now for 11 wonderful years. You get less than that for murder!"

Wilson has been relying on the dulcet tones of race callers to accurately depict races since 1968.

But as his limited eyesight has continued to diminish, that reliance has only intensified in recent years.

"Peter O'Neill is a great friend and a fantastic caller – I rely on his calls for Shima Rock now," Wilson said. 

"Peter comes over and sees myself and Norma every Wednesday before going to Cannington – without fail. I give him a bit of cheek and he gives me a bit back.

"After the races I can go back and watch the replay over and over. And Norma puts her finger on the big screen for me so I can make out which dog he is and follow him."

Wilson's life and journey in greyhound racing has been widely documented and celebrated.

Led of course by his appearance on ‘This Is Your Life' back in September of 1977.

"It all seems like a lifetime ago now," Wilson said.

"Lots of great memories and made many great friends but Woolley Wilson will always be number one. And Pacermatic not far behind."

It was Woolley Wilson's 36 wins for $40,906 in stake money back in the mid-1970s that saw Wilson's profile soar.

The prize money at the time was only third behind household names Zoom Top and Lizrene.

And while Shima Rock won't reach the dizzy heights of the great Woolley Wilson, the brindle son of Barcia Bale is providing Wilson plenty to crow about, something he hopes continues at Cannington on Wednesday night.

"He's a chance on Wednesday – I've done the form," Wilson said.

"The three Counting Kuna is the one to beat – it's won four in a row but we are a chance.

"And you know Shima Rock isn't the first dog David has given me either.

"Back in the 1980s he gave me a bitch called Bally Poreen which made a Perth Cup Final.

"I'll never forget David Simonette did the box draw and there was one and five left for Bally Poreen to get. And she got the five of course.

"I decided to forgive Simo. But he's lucky I still talk to him!"



 

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