Sad passing of industry ‘nice guy’
ONE of harness racing’s nice guys and successful trainer and drivers, Jack Mantle, from Gillieston Heights in the Hunter Valley, passed away on Sunday 11 February.
Jack was 93.
Born on April 25, 1930, John Eric ‘Jack’ Mantle was one of the most respected and likeable trainers and drivers from the Hunter Valley area.
Jack had great success with pacer Lexie Beavan in the late 1970’s. She won 10 races, including three at Harold Park which included a heat of the 1976 NSW Oaks, and won the 1976 North-Eastern Guineas at Muswellbrook.
Other good winners included Charlotte Corday (eight wins), Charlie Corday (six wins) and won two races at Harold Park in May 1978 with Les’s Girl.
His best success came in the 1990’s with smart trotting filly, Gay Monique.
Gay Monique won the 1996 NSW Trotters’ Derby and Fairfield Trotters’ Oaks and ventured to Victoria to capture the 1996 Victoria Trotters’ Oaks.
To this day, Gay Monique is the only NSW owned, trained and driven filly to win the Group One trotter’s classic. Gay Monique also won three trotters’ races at Harold Park.
Jack retained his great love of the horses and kept a keen interest until his sad passing surrounded by his loving family on February 11.
Jack’s funeral will take place on Monday, February 19 at 12.30pm at Pettigrew Funerals at Belmont.
Club Menangle Chairman, Directors, staff and our big harness racing family offer our condolences to Ben and his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.
- PETER COLLIER