The present from his uncle stirred a life long passion in the then nine-year-old, who purchased a farm outside Ungarie to breed greyhounds in 1946.

Now retired, Mr Ridley said Wednesday August 24 has been one of the darkest days of his life.

During his more than half a century in the industry, Mr Ridley  never live baited and only knew of “one per cent” that did it.

Mr Ridley said he fears what the decision will mean for the young.

“Being 89 [years old] it’s just sad,” he said.

“For any poor beggars in their thirties and forties, it’s a straight out criminal tragedy.”

Flying the Australia flag high and proud outside his Mount Austin home has long been a source of pride for the 89-year-old.

But it has now been lowered to half mast over the “criminal” decision to ban greyhound racing by the Baird government. 

“That will stop there until I die or it rots, because I won’t shift it,” Mr Ridley said.