VALE: Tony McGrath AM

A GREAT servant of harness racing was lost this week with the passing of former NSW Harness Racing Club (Club Menangle) Chairman and Director, Tony McGrath AM, on Tuesday.

Born on February 8, 1936, Anthony Joseph McGrath was 88 years of age at his passing.

In addition to a highly-successful corporate career, Tony McGrath was one of Australia’s most respected harness racing administrators.

He was first appointed to the NSW Harness Racing Club Ltd (Club Menangle) Board on July 31, 1984.

Tony then served on the board for a total of 21 years, eventually retiring from the board on June 30, 2006.

During that time Tony was Club President for two years (2000-2001) and Treasurer for three years.

In addition to Tony’s service to the club, he was also a member of the Harness Racing Australia executive for 10 years from 1993 to 2002.

This included three years as President, four years as Senior Vice President and three years as Treasurer.

Tony was also a board member of Harness Racing NSW and Senior Vice President of the Inter Dominion Harness Racing Council.

In 2006 Tony was awarded the ultimate recognition for a harness racing administrator in Australia, the prestigious JP Stratton Award.

A man dedicated for the bettering of this beloved harness racing industry; Tony McGrath loved the trotters.

It was with his influence while serving on the board which saw an increase in the opportunities for the trotter and thus more races for the trotting gait.

His results in those efforts are seen today with the number of trotters races run each week at Menangle.

Tony McGrath was a successful breeder and owner with many winners here in Australia and also in New Zealand.

Indeed he also hosted his good friend from New Zealand, Robin Butt of Locarno fame many times at his Forestville [Sydney] home when the ace horseman returned to witness many Miracle Miles.

Tony McGrath’s funeral will take place on Friday, September 6 at 10.30 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Currie Rd, Forestville followed by a celebration of his life at Forestville RSL Club, Melwood Avenue, Forestville.

Club Menangle Chairman Robert Marshall, directors and staff and all at National Trotguide and our big harness racing family offer our condolences to Tony’s family and his many friends at his sad passing.

• PETER COLLIER