John Wolfe who rose to prominence as the owner of champion pacer Shakamaker passed away recently aged 87.
Born in Horsham, John and Glenys Wolfe were married in 1960 and subsequently moved to Melbourne where John furthered his career as a civil engineer working for the Country Roads Board before stints with Boral and Readymix.
Trainer John Justice recalls meeting John for the first time in 1997.
“He drove up the driveway one day and asked me if I wanted to train a yearling colt he had bought at the sales,” Justice said.
The horse Shakamaker went on to prove himself one of the best pacers of the modern era with victories in the 2000 Inter Dominion Grand Final, 2001 Victoria Cup and 2002 SA Cup.
He was also runner up in the 2000 Victoria Cup, 2000 Chariots Of Fire, 2001 Australian Pacing Championship, 2002 Inter Dominion Grand Final and the 2002 A G Hunter Cup.
John suffered a stroke last Christmas and had subsequent battles with his health.
Harness Racing Victoria offers its condolences to his wife Glenys and family.
