Victorian horseman George Hanlon was one of Australia's most respected trainers who will be remembered for crafting some of the nation's finest stayers.
Hanlon, 92, who died on Thursday, was incredibly astute and lived his life for his horses. Judging on runners to winners he was in a league ofhis own. He never had big numbers, averaging just 15 horses at a time over more than 60 years, yet his success can be measured against Bart Cummings, Tommy Smith, Colin Hayes, Lee Freedman and John Hawkes.
All are members of the Australian Racing Hall of Fame which Hanlon joined in 2002. In 1972, Hanlon had four runners in the Melbourne Cup and won it for the first time with Piping Lane. Arwon scored in 1978 and Black Knight in 1984.
