Greyhound racing lost a fine greyhound man with the passing of ‘Dukie’ Elliott last week aged 87. He had been unwell for some time but ultimately succumbed to Covid.
A regular face for many decades around the Herts/Beds tracks of Henlow, and particularly Rye House, Dukie was an ‘old school’ trainer who never turned out a dog in less than pristine condition.
His most notable greyhound was probably the Suffolk Derby winner Another Mixture though he had many other good gambling dogs with April Beauty one of his particular favourites.
Old friend Pat Quinn said: “Dukie was very good man with a dog who could get them over the line on the nights they were meant to. He was very knowledgeable but also a good friend and great company.
“Dukie had some decent dogs over the years, but I would have loved to have seen him with a special one. Another Mixture was the best; he wasn’t really at stud but Dukie agreed for him to sire a litter for a permit trainer from Swaffham.
“There was a dog in the litter that the lady went on to win loads of opens with and it put her on the map as a trainer. The dog was called Lonely Mixture and her name was Linda Jones.”
Our condolences – thoughts are with wife Ann, daughter Jo and son Nick.
