Sad passing of one of our most popular horsemen
IT is with sadness that National Trotguide reports the passing of a legend in our sport, Colin Pike.
Born on May 8, 1932, Colin Nesbit Pike sadly passed away in his home town of Temora on Thursday at the age of 90.
Growing up in Temora, harness racing was always going to cross his path as a youngster.
Colin was introduced by legendary harness horseman for the first time by Sylvester Bray (of Avian Derby, 1952 Inter Dominion winner fame).
On Valentine’s Day 1953, Colin married hairdresser, Shirley Dunn and they had five children, Jennifer, Barbara, David, Ian and Jennifer.
It was in 1956 when Colin’s first horse, Rayjen began racing and gave Colin his first race drives.
She won 10 races for the family, but her claim to fame was to come later in the breeding barn.
The Pike family farm was called ‘Westlands’ in the wheat-growing area of Temora.
Rayjen was to produce one of the greatest pacers this country has ever seen, Paleface Adios, the winner of 108 races.
Other good race winners were her first foal Davian, who won 19 races and good winner Jacraig Adios (named after grandsons Jason and Craig), a multiple Harold Park winner.
Her last foal, Charlie Arjay, won five races.
Colin Pike and his wife Shirley travelled the length and breadth of Australia with Paleface Adios, just so the adoring public could meet their champion pacer.
They drew large crowds everywhere, in places like Cranbourne, when he won his 100th race, and the famous packed street parade and exhibition race he won over Social Knight in Cairns in far north Queensland.
Colin Pike was respected for his humility as the fame never changed him.
He was a true gentleman, remembered for his warmth, friendship and a smile, and volunteered his time when needed.
He was a life member, along with wife Shirley, of his beloved local Temora Harness Racing Club.
Colin had many friends all over the country.
His Sydney friends were many from the days he would come to Harold Park and our other tracks to race, staying and training at Picken Oval at Croydon Park and in later years his beloved Condell Park days.
The ‘Colin Pike and Paleface Adios’ team was adored by the crowds and children from around the country grew up with them and revered them.
The passing of Colin Pike is the final chapter in the famous 1970s rivalry.
Paleface Adios (Colin Pike) versus Hondo Grattan (Tony Turnbull) clashes were legendary.
Sadly all four (both horses and both drivers) are now gone, but will never be forgotten in our proud history.
The president, directors and staff at Club Menangle and National Trotguide express our deepest and sincerest sympathy to Colin’s family, including his wife Shirley, his family, including sons David and Ian and grandson Steve as well as his many lifelong friends for the sad loss.
Colin Pike’s funeral will be held next Wednesday, October 5 at 2:30pm at the Church of England in Temora.
- PETER COLLIER
