A special harness Racing man . Chris Garrard OAM

[Gammalite]

This week a Very special harness racing man has passed away after a long battle with illness.

Chris Garrard received a OAM (order of Australia medal in 2019) I'm sure he would of been so proud of that achievement as we are for his amazing support of harness. 

In recognition of the great harness racing supporter here's a small tribute to the wonderful supporter of our sport throughout Aus and NZ.

Chris set  up Horse and Hound from 1985 with wife Maureen and 3 sons and has developed the business over the years to help the participants with Rio harness and sulkies, Garrards Pesticides and even an Equine Veterinary practice. Many of my friends and colleagues from harness days work for the company in various capacities to this very day making the harness world a better place. 

Chris Sponsors many races throughout Australia and New Zealand, including our Main Australian feature races of the year , The Garrards Miracle Mile at Menangle . His last one saw two of the greatest horses ever seen,  fight it out in Don Hugo and Leap To Fame.

Chris helped set up the Redcliffe Yearling Sales . His dream to get everyday folk a horse to race at an affordable price, and sponsored the series for graduates of that sale. Chris being a long time President of the Redcliffe trotting Club , and is club Patron and life member. Chris still deserved a TOP horse himself though for all his years of support to many participants in the industry.

a nice BOAY story for you is he paid the sale high of $36,000 2 years ago for the Redcliffe yearling sale top priced lo, t a nice ULTIMATE MACHETE Colt , and he gave Chris his biggest win in harness by winning the Sale Graduate Final for 2 yearolds One year ago. SINABUN would of given Chris one of his biggest thrills with the Win and am sure he got a Big picture on his wall to enjoy in his declining health times. Last Week on Friday night ,  SINABUN attempted to qualify for this weeks Group 1 Big Queensland Derby , but unfortunately didn't qualify as it is a Very very hot field.    

Chris would always recognize that horses is a 7 day a week job you can't get away from , and I remember him turning up at the stables on many Sundays, with a carton of beer to share with the staff , and share stories and toasts right into the evening sometimes , while we were hammering shoes and that sort of thing , getting ready for the next weeks work.

A true Caring Gentleman , I'm proud to of known him , and certainly people like that are ones that endeared the sport to me and Many others for life.

RIP Chris Garrard.   A Champion of Harness racing forever.