The greyhound industry has lost one of its finest servants following the recent passing of Hall of Fame member Albert “Bunny” Hewton at age 93.
Bunny was inducted in to the Australian Greyhound Hall of Fame in 2012, recognising his 55-year service to the industry as a member to various clubs in Brisbane and contributing to their administration.
Born on 17 May 1926, Bunny was one of 13 children.
His brother Bill introduced him to greyhound racing when he was 10, but it wasn’t until his 21st birthday that he bought himself a pup.
In 1952, one dog in particular caught his eye in a puppy selection race – his name was Sugar’s Choice.
“We’re going to build a home out of this dog,” Bunny stated after first laying eyes on his prized puppy.
“I had him racing at Capalaba and there wasn’t a dog that ran up there that could get within six lengths of him.”
It was after Bunny and his wife Lorraine built their home, thanks in part to Sugar’s Choice, that Bunny decided to give something back to the industry that he cared so fondly for.
Hewton spent more than half a century giving back wherever he could.
He helped lay down the Capalaba track and installed sewerage and pipes that still stand to this day.
He mowed tracks with his own mower, and he was involved in the establishment of the owners and trainers’ association.
“Bunny was an outstanding man and an outstanding servant to the greyhound industry in Queensland,” Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell said.
“The contributions he made to the industry over the last 70 years are still seen today, and we will be forever grateful for the mark he left on the sport.
“That legacy will forever live on with his induction into the Australian Greyhound Hall of Fame in 2012.”
Racing Queensland extends its condolences to the Hewton family following his passing.