The long-awaited Neil Brown Museum – named in honour of the “heart and soul of Sandown Park”, Chairman Neil Brown – was officially opened on Sunday the 13th of August. This footage is a small testament to the wonderful work Neil has done in bringing this project to life and features highlights from the opening day.
A Day at the ‘NB Museum’
By Peter Quilty
The Neil Brown Museum – a 15-year stop-start ‘labour of love’ – was officially opened at Sandown Greyhound Racing Club last Sunday.
Obviously the ‘architect’ behind the project is the great man himself, Neil Brown – SGRC chairman, 2018 Ken Carr Medallist and self-confessed greyhound racing chronologist.
Indeed, Brown was justifiably proud – as were his family in attendance – when he ‘cut the ribbon’ to herald a posterity laden achievement.
“I’ve got a ‘historical’ gene,” Brown said. “I love to reminisce, and I’m passionate about our great sport.
“I used to love having conversations with Ron Nestor, George Schofield and Rod Deakin; they’d tell me about greyhounds I hadn’t seen.”
“Matt Corby (former SGRC CEO) and I would discuss the possibility of a museum on a regular basis, and we did collect quite a few artefacts in the initial stages. But the project stalled for around 10 years due to state parochialism.
“However, the idea of the museum being located at Sandown Park was reignited by Adrian Scott (incumbent SGRC CEO). It was his due to his enthusiasm and vision.
“And ‘Bernie’ Dillon has been a behind-the-scenes livewire. She has done a power of work and was instrumental in the design. Without her input, it wouldn’t have got to such a classy exhibition.”
Brown added that the museum will be an “evolving thing”.
“Even Norm McCullagh has pledged the four consecutive Sandown Cups (1986-89) won by the ‘Warrnambool Warrior’ – Bold Trease.”
The ‘NB Museum’ – complete with a stunning timeline – has myriad memorabilia of photos and trophies of Melbourne Cup winners (including a glass-enclosed exhibit of the 1975 Melbourne Cup won by Dynamic Dean), coursing relics, champions of the past, and a dedicated ‘Bookies Corner’ that is a tribute to ‘satchel swingers’ of a bygone era – namely Lal Scurrah, a leviathan bookmaker of yesteryear who owned champion of the mid-1960s Cheltenham Lass.
The museum also comprises a ‘Best 8 Sprinters at Sandown’ board. The field, which was ‘adjudicated’ by Brown, is certain to create perennial debate. It even has a ‘mock market’ provided by Gary Thomas.
Here’s the field (in no particular box draw): 1. Rookie Rebel; 2. Highly Blessed; 3. Gold Grotto; 4. Cheltenham Lass; 5. Hua; 6. Sandi’s Me Mum; 7. Rapid Journey; 8. Fernando Bale.
Another interesting heirloom is the originally made, one-of-a-kind ‘tin boxes’ used to determine the box draw for many of the early years and right into the ’50s when the box draw for all races was conducted prior to the start of the meeting.
And the most infamous object of antiquity on display is the never-presented 2007 Group 1 Sandown Cup silverware.
The event was declared a no-race when veteran trainer Don Hazzard accidentally activated the starting lever after placing Sky Hazzard in Box 4, thus releasing the field before the lure was in motion. It led to the ‘Hazzard Guard’ to shield the manual lever.
“The SGRC has always been very active in recognising and promoting the history of our wonderful sport and the establishment of a museum at Sandown has been loosely discussed for the last 10 years. About this time last year, we made a commitment to establishing a museum, it also aligned with celebrating 150 years of greyhound racing in Victoria. Whilst our museum is modest compared to some it will continue to evolve. I would like to acknowledge the work of our staff members – Bernadette Dillon and Tony Parson – for making today happen.
When we were formatting our plan for the museum, one of the first points of discussion was coming up with a name, it was a brief discussion.
Neil Brown has carved out a reputation as being an authority on the history of greyhound racing, not just around the SGRC, but across Australia. Neil has held various positions within the industry, some paid positions but the majority in a voluntary capacity. He has been a director of the SGRC for 21 years, the last six years as chairperson. He is a life member of the club, and presently holds the position as publicity officer for Greyhound Clubs Australia.
Neil’s Facebook site – Greyhound Racing Throughout the Years – has around 8000 followers.
There are three names that are synonymous with the history of the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club – Henry Harrison (Henry Harrison Grandstand), Geoff ‘Smokey’ Dawson (Dawson’s Bistro) and Neil Brown (NB Museum).
Neil Brown, it is indeed an honour to be part of this auspicious occasion in formally opening the museum, a museum that acknowledges the outstanding contribution that Neil has made to our sport and the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club. Neil has spent all his life in the Springvale district, by his own admissions a humble hobby trainer who achieved moderate success from his backyard in Keysborough. Neil, whilst you may have been a humble hobby trainer you have been a champion ambassador for the sport of greyhound racing. Neil would like you to come forward and formally open the NB Museum.”
Sandown Greyhound Racing Club chairman Neil Brown stands outside the new museum named in his honour with two of the people who helped see the project to fruition, the club’s business development manager Bernadette Dillon and club CEO Adrian Scott.
Museum Honours Brown
By Garry Howe
Neil Brown is a keen student of history – particularly pertaining to his beloved greyhounds – and helped build the Sandown complex into the world class facility it is today.
It was fitting then that on Sunday 13 August a part of that facility was dedicated in his name to showcase that rich history.
The honour of officially opening the Neil Brown Museum when to the man after whom it was named.
Sandown Greyhound Racing Club chief executive Adrian Scott said the idea of opening a museum had been bandied around for a few years.
“The establishment of a museum at Sandown has been loosely discussed for the last 10 years and about this time last year we made a commitment to establishing a museum,” he told guests at the opening ceremony, explaining that it also aligned with celebrating 150 years of greyhound racing in Victoria.
“Whilst our museum is modest compared to some, it will continue to evolve. I would like to acknowledge the work of our staff members – Bernadette Dillon and Tony Parson for making today happen.
“When we were formatting our plan for the museum, one of the first points of discussion was coming up with a name, it was a brief discussion,” Adrian said.
“Neil Brown has carved out a reputation as being an authority on the history of greyhound racing, not just around the Sandown club, but across Australia.
“Neil has held various positions within the industry, some paid positions but the majority in a voluntary capacity. He has been a director of the SGRC for 23 years, the last seven years as chairperson.
“He is a life member of the club and presently holds the position as publicity officer for Greyhound Clubs Australia.”
Adrian said Neil’s Facebook site – Greyhound Racing Throughout The Years – has around 8000 followers.
He said there were three names synonymous with the history of the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club.
Henry Harrison, after whom the grandstand is named; Geoff ‘Smokey’ Dawson, who has Dawsons Bistro named in his honour, and Neil Brown.
“It is indeed an honour to be part of this auspicious occasion in formally opening the museum, a museum that acknowledged the outstanding contribution that Neil has made to our sport and the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club,” Adrian said.
“Neil has spent all his life in the Springvale district, by his own admissions a humble hobby trainer who achieved moderate success from his backyard in Keysborough.
“Neil, whilst you may have been a humble hobby trainer, you have been a champion ambassador for the sport of greyhound racing.”
After cutting the ribbon to declare the museum open to the public, Neil reflected upon how significant it was to have the museum within the Sandown complex.
“Sandown has been a leader in so many ways over the years. This is a magnificent complex, it is world class and I am very proud of it.
“This is extremely humbling for me to have this museum with my name on it at Sandown, a place that means so much to me.”
One of the museum exhibits is a bookmaker’s board and satchel donated by Neil’s good friend Garry Thomas.
Neil identified eight of the top sprinters to have graced the Sandown track and asked Garry to frame a market for the ‘race’.
He installed Highly Blessed as the 3-1 favourite, ahead of Rapid Journey and Sandi’s Me Mum at 5-1, Rookie Rebel at 6-1, Cheltenham Lass and Fernando Bale at 10-1 and Gold Grotto and Hua at 16-1.
Highly Blessed, he said, was rated in the top eight greyhounds in the world.
Marg Long – Congratulations on this initiative Neil. I know how passionate you are about history so well done.
Greyhound Clubs Victoria – Congratulations Neil and & Sandown Greyhounds. A fantastic initiative and accolade!
Kay King- Congratulations Neil on the Museum. So important for Greyhound Racing.
Louise Martin Litchfield – Congratulations – well-deserved honour
Kim Tartaglia- Congratulations Neil Brown on the museum looks amazing
Rose Geall- Looking forward to seeing it. Congratulations Neil. 👍
Maree Jordan – That’s fantastic Neil , Gray will be watching and would be so proud of you xxx
Julie Langley – Congratulations Neil , this is fantastic well done xx👏
Emma Brown – Congratulations Dad! Beyond proud of this wonderful achievement.
A testament to your dedication and love of Greyhound racing xoxo
Raylee Honan – Congratulations, well deserved, wonderful achievement xx👍
Susan Jolly – Congratulations Neil a wonderful honour to a wonderful person.
RonRita Arnold – Wonderful achievement and so thoroughly deserved. Congratulations from The Arnold family
Adrian Scott – Well done Neil Brown wonderful recognition for years of dedication to the history of our great sport 👏👏
Jenny Roberts – Well done Neil, congratulations
Steve Shinners- Great achievement for a lifelong greyhound man congratulations 🎉
Scott Grimster – Love your work Neil Brown , well done and such an honour👏🎊
Barry Lingham – From humble beginnings in the late sixties , to where you stand now . Neil , i raise a glass to you in honor of your life long dedication to greyhound racing . Some of the crazy things we shared together , along with other friends over the many years , are well and truly etched in the memory bank for ever . Cheers mate .🍺🍺🍺
Bernadette Dillon – A fantastic announcement 🤩 Thanks Neil Brown for allowing me to be part of this very special project😊
John Stephens – Absolutely deserved…when in doubt, some go to the Bible…in our industry we go to NB. A museum in the mind👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Alan Wickes – A very appropriate acknowledgement of a good job, well done Neil.
Des Dooley – Congratulations Neil on not only the recognition but also your persistence in making the museum a reality.
Leonie Sierakowski – Congratulations Neil what fabulous recognition for all you have contributed and presented for years to come 🤗🤗
Anne Gent – Congratulations Neil Brown you have been a lifelong greyhound man.
Doug McLean – Congratulations Brownie, a greyhound man for many years. You would have made your Mum and Dad and their neighbours so proud
Janice Wheeler – Congratulations Neil No one deserves it more 🤩
Paul Grima- Good on you Neil
Alan Marum – Keep up the great work you do…3 cheers and congradulations.
Brian Parkinson – Well Done Neil well deserved young man. Brian and Lou👏👏
Danielle Jordan – Oh wow! That is incredible, congratulations Neil!
Katrina Ortland – Oh wowsa. So incredible and deserving recognition. Congratulations Neil from Craig and I
Victoria Shaw – Fantastic and congratulations Neil Brown 👏 👍 😀
April McLean – Congratulations Neil, a wonderful achievement I know your Mum and Dad together with a couple of neighbours would be very proud
Jack Zappala – Congratulations Neil can’t wait
Heather Villinger – Awesome acknowledgement of a person who has devoted so much time to our wonderful industry. Congratulations Neil Brown.
Howard Culph – Congratulations Neil, recognising a lifetime commitment to the cause
Malcolm Richardson – Congrats Neil !! Great acknowledgement!
Edwin Caruana – Congratulations Neil a very well deserved recognition 👏👏👏👏
Brian Tregenza – Fantastic news Neil you have been a leader in the Industry,historian in a life of love for the Greyhound.🥂👍
Wendy Matthews – Wonderful achievement 👏👏👏👏♥️
Marg Sallows – 👏👏👏👏Congratulations Neil Brown would love to see it..but as you know I now live too far away…We’ll deserved my friend…
Simon Gilson – What an amazing honour. Congratulations.
Lynette Graham -A great achievement and lovely to hear from you Miss Vic,hope you are keeping well.
David Shortte – Absolutely superb – what a tremendous initiative👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Denis Knight – Great work Neil 🍺
Darren Beavis – Congratulations Neil, well deserved 👏
Peter Diss – Great achievement Neil.
Gavin Vassallo – Congrats Neil , that’s awesome 👏👏👏
Elizabeth Whelan – Neil Brown congratulations this is so awesome! 😊
Rex Griffin – Congratulations Neil
Andrew Brown – That’s fantastic – congratulations and very fitting 👍
Gail Carter – Congratulations Neil great achievement
Darren Cairns – Great achievement! And truly deserved . Congratulations Neil!
Sue Norfolk – Congratulations Neil! A great achievement. Well done! ❤️👏👏👏👏👏👏
Colin Brown – Fantastic achievievement well done mate
Peter O’Neill – Congratulations Neil ⭐️
Carole Taylor – Wow massive congratulations and well deserved 👏
Stephen Nelson – Congratulations, well done , Brownie.
Kay King – Congratulations Neil
Phil Cornthwaite – Well deserved Neil
Jenny Skinner – Well done!!!🐾🐾🐾
Daryl Paterson – Well done Neil congrats🍷🍻
Alan Webb – Congratulations Neil.
Pat Burley – Well done Neil Brown Top stuff 👌
Simone Newsome – Wow! Congratulations
Matthew Field – Congratulations mate
Debbie Moodie Bewley – Fantastic!!!! Love it 🥰
Terri M Morris – Can’t wait to see this
Gary Smith – Congratulations Brownie 👍
Greyhound Clubs Victoria – Congratulations, Neil! Well done Sandown Greyhounds 👏
Sharon Zappia – Fabulous.. congratulations Neil 🥂
Sharyn Combridge – Congratulations , well deserved 👏
Barry Rogers – Congratulations and well deserved Neil.
Kain Pollard -Amazing news!! Congratulations Neil Brown Jim Hines & Bryce Eishold
Mark F.Padula – Missed the J mate (NJ)
Coral Scott – At last we have someone who got it done…pop
John Van Echteld Oam – Congratulations Neil Brown
John Van Echteld Oam – Congratulations Neil ,you have many years to go to make the industry even better.John Van Echteld Oam
Coral Scott – Ps and I like the name…pop