WILLIAMSTOWN local Jane McNicholl has been a familiar face around Greyhound Racing in South Australia, both on the track and behind the scenes for over 40 years working as a greyhound vet and breeder until her retirement this year.

Dr McNicholl was originally from Ireland before arriving in Australia in 1974, living in both Broken Hill and Kadina before settling in Williamstown in 1980, where she has enjoyed national success with her greyhound breeding.

Two of her greyhounds finished second in two Australian Cups, with others breaking track records at Angle Park, Gawler, Barmera and Olympic Park.

In addition to accomplishments as a breeder, Dr McNicholl has a similarly accomplished veterinary career, including lecturing at Roseworthy College, TAFESA and the University of Adelaide.

Following her recognition of the increase in daytime greyhound racing, accompanied with rising temperatures, creating hotter race conditions, she undertook six years of study into the effects of greyhound racing in hot weather, through which she attained her PhD.

The results published from this have been used internationally by racing codes to create hot weather racing policies for greyhound racing.

She said she looks back on her time with Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) fondly.

“It was great working with Greyhound Racing SA and being able to contribute so highly to the sport,” Dr McNicholl said.

“It has been amazing to see the accomplishments in animal welfare that have been achieved in my time with GRSA.”.

Dr McNicholl has also been a stalwart for veterinary service to the South Australian greyhound industry, and has worked in private practices and countless race meets across the state, including the Group One Adelaide Cup.

GRSA CEO Matt Corby spoke of Dr McNicholl in the highest regard, highlighting the loss this will be for the industry.

“Jane’s passion for the care and welfare of greyhounds is second to none,” he said.

“Her contributions to the industry over the last 40 years have been invaluable.”