The harness racing industry in Victoria is mourning the loss of John Crowe, who passed at the weekend.
A flood of tributes on social media for the man affectionately known as ‘Crowey’ speaks to the esteem in which the former Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) sponsorship manager and bookmaker was held.
Crowe was pivotal in the establishment of the Pegasus Club and attracted a large number of sponsors into the industry.
His charm, wit and dedication to his role changed the face of sponsorship in the trots.
HRV CEO Dayle Brown, who worked alongside Crowe for several years, paid tribute.
“John was a gentleman, a can-do guy. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He just rolled up his sleeve and got the job done,” Brown said.
“He was so much more than a sponsorship manager. You would see him at the winning post at Moonee Valley on Saturday nights congratulating the owners, making sure they got their rug and trophy. He went over and above what his job required.
“He loved the industry and the people. He was always there to help someone in need and never expected anything in return.”
On a tough weekend for the industry, Victorian harness racing lost another dedicated and passionate servant in Michael Hayes, who passed suddenly on Friday night.
Hayes was both a trainer and drive, who registered 217 driving wins and 156 triumphs as a trainer, with horses such as Skye Rocket providing him with enormous thrills.
“I was extremely saddened to learn of Michael’s passing at the weekend and on behalf of all at HRV our thoughts go out to his family. We are especially thinking of his daughter Kathryn, who was a valuable and dedicated member of the HRV team for several years,” Brown said.
HRV posted this tribute to Hayes earlier on thetrots.com.au.
Funeral details for both Crowe and Hayes will be published once available.
Pictures: (From top) John Crowe (second from left) with daughter Heidi, wife Ingrid and son Sean; and with champion reinswoman Kerryn Manning and Rob Merola. Pictures taken at Crowe's farewell Pegasus Club Luncheon at the Richmond Tavern.