Jimmy Vassallo, among the sport's great characters of the past five decades, has died aged 76 after a long illness spanning nearly two years.
Vassallo, who lived at Smithfield, in western Sydney, throughout his life, worked in a timber yard until retiring and going full-time into greyhound racing 20 years ago.
He was renowned at breaking-in young dogs to prepare them for racing, but also had plenty of success as a trainer, travelling all over NSW with his small team.
His most recent successes were with Bad Boy Goodesy, Smithfield Boy and Fire At Will.
Bad Boy Goodesy, who won over 720m at Wentworth Park in April, 2018, was Vassallo's last city winner, and the dog contested 103 races for seven wins and 25 placings, earning over $30,000.
The aptly named Smithfield Boy, who won nine races for $20,000, was another of Vassallo's most recent starters while his last runner was Fire At Will, who raced at Potts Park 13 months ago and won seven races as well as recording 27 placings.
Vassallo's son Ian said: "Dad's biggest thrill in the sport though was when he co-trained Shy Sultan, with his best mate Ted "Hondo" Grattan, to win the 1987 National Derby at Harold Park.
"The Derby was held at Harold Park while its regular venue, Wentworth Park, was closed due to the construction of the new grandstand, and Shy Sultan pulled off a huge upset, winning the final as a 50/1 ($51) outsider.
"Ted Grattan had paid just $3000 for Shy Sultan and he and dad enjoyed a great friendship over the years.''
Jimmy Vassallo is survived by his wife Laura, sons Ian and Andrew and daughter Anne, along with six grandchildren.
GRNSW wishes to extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Jimmy Vassallo.
