Former New Zealander Peter Wells sadly passed away at the age of 90 last Thursday after an Illustrious career in harness racing.
Wells won a heat of the 1959 Melbourne Inter Dominion series over 15-and-a-half furlongs aboard the C. Hadfield part-owned and trained seven-year-old Kiwi mare Super Royal (Dillon Hall-Merton) before running unplaced in the Grand Final won by South Australian Young Pedro on a rain-affected track.
He was to make Victoria home shortly after, and based at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, Wells was always in high demand. He won numerous races over a long period of time with a number of smart horses including the great Kiwis Cardigan Bay and Waitaki Hanover, plus multiple winners Koranui, Super Scope, Double Duck, Meadow Lad, Family Soldier, Imprint, De Mar Caratros and Lonesome Dove.
He also drove for the dominant Frank and Harry Abrahams family at one stage, as well as Ascot Vale trainer Charlie Bell.
In later years, a very smart trotter by the name of Dark Edge came along, as did winners Donkiri, Dell Boy and Just Call Me Mac.
Shifting to Sunbury, Wells became very friendly with John (Blue) McHugh, a track attendant at Melton who held a share in some handy horses and added more winners to his tally.
Sincere sympathy is extended to his long-time partner Val, a member of the Cerchi family involved in racing.
Harness Racing Victoria also sends its heartfelt condolences to Wells’ family and friends.
Funeral details are yet to be announced.
