The harness racing industry is mourning the loss of renowned horseman Neville Gath, who has died at the age of 89.
Born in South Melbourne on May 15, 1936, Neville was a key member of the legendary Gath harness racing dynasty.
Neville was the eldest son of George, nephew of Albert and Norm, brother of Brian and father of Philip, Peter, David, Andrew and Glenn.
Granted a driver’s licence at the age of 16, Neville drove his first winner behind Double Park at Geelong in the early 1950s.
Neville took out the Victorian Metropolitan Drivers Premiership in 1965/66, 1966/67 and 1967/68 and headed the Victorian State Drivers Premiership in 1967.
He prepared many top-class performers during his illustrious career, including Carlotta’s Pride, Delvin Dancer and Corop McElwin, who were regarded as among the best trotters in the land.
Single Again provided Neville with his best finish in the Inter Dominion Pacing Championship when that horse was runner-up behind San Simeon at Hobart in 1980.
He also enjoyed more than his share of success aboard top-line pacers Macaree, Fair Deed, Gyration and Valencia Bay.
Among Neville’s feature race wins were the Victoria Derby (National Gold), Australasian Trotters Championship (Tinmine twice and Sugar N Spice), Cochran Trotters Cup (Calm Meadow), Italian Cup (Adalia), Youthful Stakes (Annastere) and Sapling Stakes (Simpsonic).
Neville’s son, leading trainer Andy Gath, said his father had a head start being born into the Gath family.
“Being the son of George meant he had the advantage of learning the game from one of the very best,” Andy said.
“He started at such a young age that it was second nature to him, and he never wanted to do anything else in life.”
Neville is survived by his wife Janet along with sons Philip, Peter, David, Andrew and Glenn, and grandchildren Samantha, Thomas, Georgia and Erica.
A private burial will be followed by a memorial service at Melton Entertainment Park on a date to be announced.
Harness Racing Victoria extends its sincere condolences to Neville’s family and friends.
