Long-time harness racing participant Lancefield’s Graeme Wilson, 73, passed away after a battle with illness.
Graeme, the son of legendry trainer G.D. (Dave) Wilson, who had outstanding horses such as Dusty Miller, First Division and Garry Rowan during the Showgrounds era, grew up south of the Yarra in the Heatherton area.
When his father was involved in a horrific fall at the Showgrounds, which led to him being a paraplegic, it was up to Graeme to take over the horses. He had considerable success with the likes of Touch Merchant, Level Advice, Jay Cee and Intrepid Prince.
Graeme drove a treble with Avante Girl, Flying Heel and Deep Star at the Melbourne Showgrounds in 1972.
He was involved in a terrible motor car accident that left him with a legacy to manage for the rest of his life.
Despite experiencing health complications for a number of years, Graeme still loved attending the trots with his wife Josie, a member of the Mifsud family, when possible.
Harnesss Racing Victoria extends its condolences to Josie and Graeme's family and friends.
A funeral will be held on Friday at the Cordell Chapel at Fawkner Memorial Park, Hadfield, at 3.45pm.
Graeme sat with Paul Campbell in 2020 as part of Harness Racing Victoria's podcast series Tooth Be Told. Listen in: