Leading harness racing identity Greg Sugars has tragically died
The sport of harness racing is in mourning following the shock passing of leading industry figure Greg Sugars.
THE world of harness racing is in deep mourning following news of the tragic passing of leading industry figure Greg Sugars at just 40 years of age.
On Saturday afternoon, the Instagram account of Larajay Farm, the operation which Sugars runs with wife Jess Tubbs, made the heartbreaking announcement.
“With an absolutely shattered heart that doesn’t want to believe it’s possibly true, I need to share the news that Greg passed away in his sleep last night,” the post read.
“Greg had excitedly driven our team to NSW yesterday with none of us possibly predicting this was in our future.
“His beloved son (dog) Harvey doesn’t yet understand that Dad won’t be home to take him to Puppy School Graduation on Tuesday.
“We are heartbroken and very much still processing everything so some time and space will be appreciated.”
After news of Sugars’ shock passing broke, a decision was made to abandon the race meeting slated for Melton on Saturday night.
Sugars was in NSW at the time of his death where he was readying three of his team, Fighter Command, Rakero Rebel and Dichotomy, to race at Menangle on Saturday night.
The meeting proceeded and in emotional scenes, Fighter Command stormed home for victory in the second event with Gavin Fitzpatrick taking the drive.
Sugars, son of highly decorated former SA trainer Ross Sugars, had been a shooting star in the world harness racing ranks.
It was only in January this year that Sugars and Tubbs called time on the remarkable career of their once in a lifetime global trotting superstar Just Believe.
The champion square-gaiter won 38 races during his career banking almost $2 million in prize money where he competed in three countries and two hemispheres.
Sugars trained 4028 winners at the time of his passing, 64 at group 1 level, amassing stake earnings of nearly $40 million.
Originally published as Leading harness racing identity Greg Sugars has tragically died
Mornington Monday tips: $19 value bet
A Clinton McDonald-trained filly could earn a reward for consistency while a $19 chance could fire with blinkers on at Mornington on Monday.
Renewed focus: Pateman puts last year’s Warrnambool pain aside
Champion jumps jockey Steven Pateman did it tough watching last year’s Warrnambool carnival from afar but is desperate to be back among the winners on jumps racing’s biggest stage this week.
McEvoy gives Oaks bound Philia tick of approval
Top jockey Kerrin McEvoy has found the ideal horse for the Group 1 Queensland Oaks in June.