By Andrew Smith
Claude Dacey reckons he has been talking about retiring for the last two decades, but is now convinced that this year is his last in the greyhound training caper.
The 90-year-old holds the mantle as the oldest registered greyhound trainer in Queensland, after Eric Honeyman gave up training at the age of 92 at the end of last year.
Now the veteran dog man will follow suit and hang up the collar and lead when 2024 draws to a close.
Dacey outlined his retirement plans as he prepared Daysea’s Tim to contest Sunday’s Group 2 Capalaba Cup Final.
The Gilberton-based conditioner said the time was right to step away from training, as he prepares to hand over the reins to son Robbie.
“This definitely is the last year…I’ve been thinking about it the last 20 years, probably,” Claude said with a laugh.
“I just can’t do it anymore, I’ve got a few issues besides being old.
“It’s hard to get out - you’ve got 25 dogs here, you can’t just walk away, and you can’t get rid of your dogs.
“I’m lucky that Robbie is here to take over and keep it going.”