Harness Racing Victoria and Charlton Harness Racing Club this week paid tribute to industry stalwart, the ever-genial Doug Gretgrix, who retires from starting duties after nearly 21 years as an official HRV starter. 

"That’s how long I’ve been getting paid by HRV," Doug said. "I started as club starter at Charlton some time around 1980."

One person well aware of the experience lost to the industry with Doug’s departure is HRV Senior Steward and friend Barry Delaney.

"We’re losing one of our good men," Barry said. "Doug is the most consistent starter I’ve worked with. He doesn’t stress, and he’s always the same. There’s no fuss from him. He doesn’t look for praise - you rarely get any in life, but if anyone deserves it he does."

Among Doug’s many talents two stand out for Barry.

"He has a great rapport with the drivers, they have great respect for him because he is an excellent communicator. They know when he says go, the start’s on. He’s very good at standing starts too.’

It’s no surprise then to know that Doug is in favour of the stand.

"I always really wanted to start a Hunter Cup," he said. "And I did that. I think it was Elsu winning in 2005. Thousands of people at Moonee Valley. And a standing start."

Perhaps it was the challenge of getting an even start for every horse that attracted Doug, who lists Redwood Day at Maryborough as one of his favourites. "Redwood Day is always a test. Two-year-old trotters off a stand can be tricky, but I love it. And I hope it stays that way."

Working at every track in Victoria was another goal Doug quietly worked toward – and achieved. 

He said the modern horses were a "bit faster" than their predecessors and thinks all-round safety has improved, in part, thanks to more sophisticated training practices.

What Doug will miss most of all, however, is going from track to track, meeting new people, including track staff and mobile drivers. Watching new drivers improve and rise through the ranks is of particular interest.

"I guess Gavin Lang, Chris Alford and Kerryn Manning are the best drivers I’ve seen," he said. "You’re always going to upset someone by leaving them out but there are others not far behind."

Harness participants will miss the skill and dry humour of ‘Dougie’, whose last official day will be at the Charlton meeting at Maryborough on Thursday, where a race will be named in his honour.

Perhaps it is best to leave the last word to his friend Barry: "Nothing is ever too much trouble for Dougie. He’s just a ripping bloke."