Another Sad Loss
I suppose it’s inevitable that, with the passing of time, we will regularly lose harness racing’s household names, but this year, which is only five months old, seems to be particularly bad in that regard.
Following on from Roy Purdon and Jim Dalgety, Gary Allen has now left us after a prolonged illness. While he may not be as well known to the betting public as the two former legends, in his own way Gary has been a massive contributor to our game. Almost every week there is at least one horse with the word ‘Galleon’ (I presume we all get the play on words and his name there – it actually took me a while) in either its’ name or breeding. Not only that, he also gave his time as an administrator, both of the Wellington Club, and a stint as Chairman of Harness Racing New Zealand.
Always friendly and approachable (I always thought of him as a ‘big cuddly bear’, although I did resist the temptation to cuddle him!), Gary had a big influence on many people. My favourite memory of him was when myself and two mates raced a horse at Trentham – yes, the galloping track, back in 1999, and it turned out to be our ever first win. Gary invited us to make ourselves at home in the plush President’s room and, as our horse was in the last race, we were well lubricated by the time it lined up. Of course, when he won, (I have the photo of Gary holding the horses head in the birdcage), we had to celebrate and, as a consequence missed our flight home! In the end we caught a very expensive taxi to the airport and got on a later plane. Flying with the now defunct Ansett, the stewardesses asked us why we were so happy, and when we explained, they kindly shouted us a drink – just what we needed!
As an aside, as well as the sad demise of Hutt Park in Wellington, I’ve always thought it was a shame that racing at Trentham didn’t continue, apparently due to the politics of the time. The facilities were magnificent, and the track, despite being a touch rough in places, was more than adequate. I recall another Wellington stalwart telling me he would never risk racing his horses on the track, however when you see the names of Lyell Creek and Yulestar among the winners there, it couldn’t have been that bad!
Anyway, rest in peace Gary, and thank you, your legacy will live on for many a year.
Pete Cook