Albert Draper a renowned member of the greyhound racing industry passes away at the age of 82
Fore-bearer of the South Yorkshire greyhound pedigree, Albert Draper, passed away at the age of 82 on Tuesday, 13th June. A renowned owner of star greyhounds and father of Barry and Trevor, Draper had been sick for a while and succumbed to his
illness on Tuesday.
Draper’s son, Trevor, explained his father’s condition, saying, “He was grand until a few weeks ago, still driving to Market Rasen for their Sunday meetings, but then got taken ill and into hospital”.
His demise is undoubtedly a major loss for the greyhound racing industry since his helpful nature made him a mentor for many involved in the sport.
Draper’s interests were not just limited to greyhound racing, but in fact he had a profound love for pigeon racing and carriage driving as well. He is believed to have attended all the big carriage driving summer shows.
‘He Knows’, Draper's star performer and runner up of the 1997 Greyhound Derby final at Wimbledon, was one of his favourite greyhounds due to its speed despite Draper having finalists in all derbies.
The 82-year-old was also known to have a soft spot for his dog, ‘Special Addition’, who won the Williamhill Lead.
Regarding Draper’s love for ‘Special Addition’, his son said, “Albert backed him from something like 33-1 into 14-1 and always said there weren’t too many smiles from the sponsor at the presentation”.
Other famous greyhounds owned by Draper included ‘Thurlesbeg Joker’ who ran the 2010 Derby at Wimbledon and ‘Faughan Danger’, who’s racing exploits were well acclaimed.
Draper himself said that the best dog he had seen had been ‘Ballyregan Bob’ and his favourite racing track was Sheffield’s.
One of the highlights of his career was when he was invited to the Queen’s garden party by Lord Scarborough, bringing him great pride.
Draper was also known to evoke a passion for greyhound racing in many, such as Lord Hardy, who ended up owning a greyhound while he was campaigning for elections.
At the time of his sad demise, Draper had five children, two daughters and three sons, from his late wife Annie, whose father was a tic-tac at a greyhound track.
Details of his funeral have not been disclosed as yet, but one prays for his family’s strength in a time of sorrow.
Greyhound racing enthusiasts around the world share their grief at the loss of such a prized asset to the sport.
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