Industry mourning loss of champion horseman

HARNESS racing is mourning the loss of renowned horseman Neville Gath who 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.

Neville prepared many top class performers during his illustrious career, including Carlotta’s Pride, Delvin Dancer and Corop McElwin, which were regarded as among the best trotters in the land.

Single Again provided Neville with his best finish in the Inter Dominion Pacer’s Final when runner-up behind San Simeon in Hobart in 1980.

Neville also enjoyed more than his share of success behind top line pacers Macaree, Fair Deed, Gyration and Valencia Bay.

Neville’s feature win include 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 is survived by his wife Janet along with sons Philip, Peter, David, Andrew and Glenn and grandchildren Samantha, Thomas, Georgia and Erica,.

• JOHN DUNNE