"Old journos never die - they just come to a full stop." This was a quote Tom Brassel was fond of using but it also makes for a wonderful and fitting epitaph for one of the legendary journalists of Australian racing, reports the Herald Sun.
All Saints Catholic Church in Liverpool, in the west of Sydney, was packed yesterday with a "who's who" of Sydney racing for Brassel's funeral service.
Leading trainers such as Guy Walter, Clarry Conners, Ron Leemon, Jim and Greg Lee, former champion jockeys Malcolm Johnston, Wayne Harris and Larry Olsen, plus some of today's top riders including Rod Quinn, Neil Paine and Tony Marney, were there to pay their respects.
Racing NSW chairman John Messara and chief executive Peter V'landys were among the racing industry administrators to attend, along with many Australian Turf Club employees, and former Australian Jockey Club chief executive Tony King and committeeman Noel Bracks.
Brassel's many journalist mates also crammed into the church in tribute to a man who is an icon of his profession.
FULL STORY Farewell to legendary racing journalist (Herald Sun)