Family and friends are mourning the loss of veteran trainer Charlie Attard, who died last week at the age of 89.
Charlie’s death was unexpected, as he attended a race meeting only two weeks prior.
Charlie’s son Mario said his father was recently admitted to hospital after complaining of stomach pains.
“It came as a shock to us,” Mario said.
“He had an infection in his intestine and got pneumonia, and then his kidneys failed.
In the end, he had a good life with his family and he did all that he wanted to do,” he said.
Charlie migrated to Australia from Malta in 1955 with his late wife Grace and operated a large piggery throughout his life, while working horses for the past 65 years.
“Dad was a hard worker. He would get up at 3am to work the horses and then run the piggery, and then back to the horses after work, and he wouldn’t get home until around 10pm,” he said.
The last horse he broke in was the filly Pre Eminant, who recently took out the Tatlow Stakes and was runner-up in the Vicbred Super Series (2YO Fillies) Final at Melton.
Among the best horses Charlie trained was Bells And Whistles, who won the Shakamaker Classic along with the Sapling and Christian Cullen Stakes as a two-year-old.
Charlie also put the polish on multiple cup winner Im The Boss in the early part of his career, along with Lombo Limmo (Devonport Cup) and Mister Allenby.
Charlie is survived by his children Mario, Dianne, Carol and Michelle.
Harness Racing Victoria Chair Bernard Saundry, on behalf of the industry, extends his sincere condolences to the Attard family.
