The harness racing community is mourning the passing of Garry Ewen after his long and courageous battle with cancer.
Garry was aged 78 and sadly passed away on Saturday at the Epworth Hospital.
He will be remembered as a fearless punter and bookmaker at the Showgrounds and Moonee Valley and was known for his huge betting plunges in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.
Garry was a very successful horse owner and had many Group 1 performers in the Brian Gath stable, including Affleux, the 1975 Victorian Horse of the Year, and 1976 NSW Derby winner Capri Glenfern.
In the late 1970s Garry and Brian, along with an entourage of friends, ambitiously took a team of horses to the Meadowlands USA.
Garry, along with his wife Blue, owned the Park Avenue stud at Bacchus Marsh for many years. When they sold the farm they moved to Bermagui and were involved in the fishing industry, but Garry always continued to have a keen interest in harness racing.
Garry will be sadly missed by family and friends. Sincere condolences to Garry’s wife Blue and families.
Garry’s funeral will be on Tuesday, May 25, at 10am at Nelson Bros Funerals, 81 Kororoit Creek Rd, Williamstown. The service will be officiated by Father Brian Glasheen and refreshments will follow at the funeral home. Following this the funeral will then be departing for the Altona cemetery.
