The Queensland greyhound racing industry is remembering the significant contribution of prominent owner and breeder, Paul Wheeler, following his sudden passing on Wednesday afternoon, aged 66.
Wheeler was regarded as one of Australian greyhound racing’s most successful owners and breeders.
The NSW-based breeder of greyhounds, who was inducted into the Australian Greyhound Racing Association's Hall Of Fame in 2016, produced the popular and prolific Bale, Dyna and Allen lines.
Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell said his death had been greeted with much sorrow upon learning the news on Thursday.
“Paul’s impact on the greyhound industry in Queensland and Australia-wide is profound,” Parnell said.
“His legacy will continue to be seen on the track for many years to come as a result of the Bale, Dyna and Allen lines, which shape the greyhound industry as it is today."
When he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, Paul joined his late father Allen Wheeler to become the first and still only father and son to be awarded the honour.
Although based in NSW, Wheeler’s breeding success can be seen on a Queensland track almost every day of the week.
Premier Brisbane trainer Tony Brett prepares the exciting Orchestrate, who is the reigning Group 3 Rockhampton Cup champion, and is a Barcia Bale pup.
Fellow Queensland trainer Tom Tzouvelis has Sleuth in his kennel, a winner of eight from 20 starts, who is an Allen Deed pup and the Group 2 placed Farmor Beach, trained by Churchable’s Wayne Scott, is a Fernando Bale pup, and there are many other examples of Wheeler’s influence of the code in the Sunshine State.
Racing Queensland extends its condolences to the Wheeler family.