Passionate Macedon Ranges owner, trainer and sometimes driver Rod Dyer sadly passed on December 27 aged 75.
A plumber, Rod developed a wonderful business and took a bigger interest in the harness racing during the ’70s, with one of his first horses, Rassy Rich, winning at Warragul on June 7 1978 – the day his son Scott was born, which gave him two reasons to celebrate.
Rod was involved with a number of handy horses over the years, especially in the Moonee Valley era, when he was a regular attendee. His successes included winning with the likes of classic winner Henry Frost, Natalie Frost and very smart trotter The Boss Man, who won almost $270,000 in stakes from 20 wins and 21 placings.
Neighbour Chris Alford drove most of his horses until Scott obtained a licence, while Chris’s dad Barry was of great help to Rod in the early days.
So highly spoken of was Rod that South Australia’s Peter Lawrence and Jim Jaques made a special trip over for his funeral.
Survived by wife Joy and children Jamie, Brent, Scott, Nicholas, Courtney and their families, Rod will be much missed in the Macedon Ranges.
Harness Racing Victoria offers it sincere sympathy to the Dyer family and Rod’s friends.
