The Victorian Harness Racing community is mourning following the loss of esteemed Charlton owner, trainer and driver Matt Donaldson who passed away in Bendigo on Friday August 22 at the age of 90. He had been in aged care for the past three years.
He first became interested in trotting in the 1950s when he began going to the stables of Andy Thompson.
Matt, a builder by trade, enjoyed a wonderful career in the sport he loved, with many highlights and accolades along the way including
• Representing Australia in the 1992 Paris World Amateur Driving Championship
• Being named Gordon Rothacker Medalist in 2006
• Serving as a decorated town supporter and Citizen of the Year, contributing to many committees in Charlton
• Winning numerous club premierships
His biggest wins included the Group 1 South Australian Trotters Derby in Adelaide aboard Four Jay for Mark and Janice Boyle in 1982, as well as Ballyred in the $30,000 1982 Champagne Stakes for Ron Kelly.
The list of winners Matt drove over the years is extensive. Among the trotters were Fairlane Park, Equilla’s Lad and Ellas Little Deed, who won the Geelong McNamara Trotters Cup. On the pacing front, metropolitan-level winners included Billardri, Muroomba, Edacon, Edalite and Edachick.
Perhaps Matt’s finest contribution to the sport was in administration. A former President and Secretary of his beloved Charlton Trotting Club, he was relentless in pursuing the advancement of harness racing. As a member of the strong Country Clubs Association, which included the legendary Dan O’Grady from Terang, Matt played a major role in securing State Government funding and support for all country clubs. He served on many subcommittees, overseeing two track reconstructions at Charlton and helping make it one of the finest tracks in the state today.
Many local participants in the sport got their start at 36 Halliday Street, Charlton, including Mark Boyle, Trevor Ralph, Kevin Kelly, John Tormey, Trevor Loveland, Bernie McGrath and Matt’s sons Gary and Ian, to name just a few.
Matt is survived by his wife Elaine, sons Gary and Ian, and daughters Leonie and Kathryn. He leaves an indelible mark on the sport’s history and will be sadly missed.
Harness Racing Victoria Chair Bernard Saundry, on behalf of the industry, extends his sincere condolences to Mr Donaldson’s family and friends.
His funeral will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Charlton, on Tuesday September 2 commencing at 11am.
