Bruce Prole
Bruce Prole, one of the outstanding veterinary surgeons of his era, died earlier this month aged 85 writes Floyd Amphlett.
Widely travelled before he joined GRA in the mid-1960s, Prole had charge of the veterinary hospital at the GRA Kennels at Northaw where he monitored and treated more than 600 racing dogs from, Stamford Bridge (followed by Watford) , Harringay and White City.
Prole was a pioneer in a series of veterinary advances on racing injuries. A feisty character, but staunch company man, he engaged in a number of incidents over a period of time, most notably with his nemesis and great rival Paddy Sweeney.
The two outstanding greyhound vets of their generation could not have shared more diverse views or personalities.
Prole’s uncompromising beliefs upset many, but his integrity, ability and dedication were never in question. After leaving Northaw he became a track vet at Poole and Portsmouth before retiring in 2005. I spoke to him on a couple of occasions in latter years and his love of the industry and greyhounds had never dimmed.
His son Jason grew up at Northaw where the family lived alongside many of the trainers. Jason remembers looking after double Derby winner Patricias Hope in his final years; he even has the roll of honour boards that imposingly greeted all visitors to the main building of the kennel complex.
He said: “I have such happy memories of the place and the people. My father kept in touch with many of the trainers. It was clear how highly they thought of him.”
Bruce Prole’s funeral is to be held at Salisbury crematorium in 9th April. The service is supporting the MS society
