Victorian harness racing has been saddened by the passing of administrator and journalist Max Agnew, aged 85, this morning, with the great scribe leaving behind an extraordinary stroytelling legacy.
Max’s influence spread far and wide in harness racing circles, having been secretary/manager of the Tasmanian Trotting Club in Launceston, written for The Herald & Weekly Times, Hamilton Spectator and Sunraysia Daily.
He was also a vice-president of the Victorian Harness Racing Media Association and secretary of the Victorian Square Trotters Association.
Picture: Max Agnew (second from left) with fellow 2009 Joseph Coulter Media Award winners Nick Hooper, Emily Wild and Len Baker.
Inducted into the Victorian Harness Racing Hall Of Fame in 2014, Max was renowned for writing historical books such as Australia’s Trotting Heritage, Silks And Sulkies, Harness & Hopples and the The Australian Harness Horse along with biographies of George Gath, Bill Hutchison and Graeme Lang.
He also authoured The harnessing of a dream – the story of night trotting at Mildura, Nags To Riches, which details high-profile harness people, and published a book of poems titled Hearts & Horses.
In 1972 he was lauded for excellence in journalism for his detailing of the infamous Royal School ring-in at Casterton.
During his long career Max presented radio segments on the ABC, 3MA (Mildura) and 3HA (Hamilton).
He is survived by sons Scott, Cameron and Guy.
Harness Racing Victoria extends its condolences to Max Agnew’s family and friends.
Funeral details to be advised.
