.jpg)
The Victorian harness racing industry is in mourning following the passing of highly-respected trainer-driver Gary Hoban.
Hoban passed away at age 65 on Sunday following a short but brave battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which he was diagnosed with late last year.
Son Craig said his father fought hard against the disease, but ultimately couldn’t beat such a powerful form of cancer.
“He fought as best as he could and followed all the doctors’ advice and everything they could do for him, but unfortunately it was just too aggressive and got the better of him,” he said.
Hoban, the son of former trainer-driver and professional punter Frank, was based at Liberty Lodge in Toolern Vale for about the last 20 years, and combined harness racing with a full-time job as a sales representative at Origin Energy and later Hardings.
He finishes with 219 winners in a training career that started back in the late 1980s.
No doubt, Hoban’s greatest achievements were the Group 1 triumphs with former top squaregaiter Acacia Ridge, who won both the 2005 Victoria Trotters Derby and 2006 Vicbred Super Series (4YO Trotters) at the elite level. Hoban drove the horse to victory on both occasions.
.jpg)
“He loved that (Derby win). If you see the race photo, he’s got the biggest smile on his face when he hits the finish line. He gives a nice salute, but has a big smile on his face. I think that would be his highlight,” Craig said.
While Liberty Jay Jay was another of Hoban’s stars, Craig said his father “couldn’t go past Acacia Ridge” as his best horse. And it’s no surprise given the son of Anvil Lad won 22 races – including 15 in succession – in a career that spanned 2004 to 2011.
“Dad always said we never really seen the best of him because he had leg injuries,” Craig said.
“He got Dad his first two Group 1 wins.
“The fillies out of Sierra Tango have definitely given us a lot of success the last half a dozen years…”
Craig said harness racing was a deep love for his father, whose passion for the Collingwood Football Club helped inspire his famous black and white colours.
“That was everything to him,” he said.
“Some people would say the horses were the most important thing in his life. He’d argue and say me, my brother and my step Mum were, but the horses would never go without…”
Hoban leaves behind brothers Dennis and Shane, sons Craig and Brenden and wife Kym. Both Brenden and Kym were by his side when he died on Sunday.
Harness Racing Victoria extends its sincere condolences to Hoban’s family and friends.
* top image courtesy of Geelong Harness Racing Club
