The entire harness racing community is mourning Tuesday’s passing of well-known Benalla-district horseman Kevin McFarlane, who died two days after his beloved Wangaratta Pacing Cup meeting had been run and won.
Kevin, who passed just two weeks short of his 93rd birthday, loved his harness racing and was a regular competitor at a number of tracks in the Northern part of the state.
He raced at places such as Cobram, Shepparton and the picnic circuits of Benalla, Elmore, Kyabram and Mooroopna, as well as Albury on occasions and Moonee Valley.
Kevin raced, trained and drove some handy horses over the years, including 1980 Cobram Pacing Cup winner Soft Copp, very smart juvenile Tender Trap and Ridgefield Park, who later was a winner for Brian Hancock in Sydney.
He was also a mentor to the likes of Steven Duffy, Jason Ross and Trevor Muir in the Goulburn Valley when they were starting off in the sport.
Kevin and late wife Mary, who was heavily involved in administration with Wangaratta, Shepparton (secretary) and Benalla at various stages, were a devoted pair.
Aside from the trots, Kevin was involved in many things during his life, including being a stock agent who bought and sold cattle. He was a wonderful horse breaker and educator and also had a strong affection for his Kelpie dogs.
A most likable person, Kevin was always up for a chat with anyone he ran into at the various harness racing meetings he attended.
Harness Racing Victoria Chairman Bernard Saundry, on behalf of the entire industry, sends his sincere sympathy and condolences to the McFarlane family, including Kevin’s daughters Kerry and Susie.
A celebration of Kevin’s life will be held at N J Todd Funeral Home, Baddaginnie Road, Benalla on Wednesday, March 18 at 2.30pm.
