By Adam Hamilton
The harness racing world is shocked and devastated following news of the tragic passing of decorated horseman Greg Sugars.
News of Sugars’ passing emerged on Saturday afternoon via the Instagram account of Larajay Farm, run by Sugars and his wife Jess Tubbs.
“With an absolutely shattered heart that doesn’t want to believe it’s possibly true, I need to share the news that Greg passed away in his sleep last night,” the post read.
“Greg had excitedly driven our team to NSW yesterday with none of us possibly predicting this was in our future.
“His beloved son (dog) Harvey doesn’t yet understand that Dad won’t be home to take him to Puppy School Graduation on Tuesday.
“We are heartbroken and very much still processing everything so some time and space will be appreciated.”
Harness Racing Victoria cancelled Saturday night’s Melton meeting,
Sugars was in NSW at the time of his death with stable runners Fighter Command, Rakero Rebel and Dichotomy, to race at Menangle on Saturday night.
Sugars, son of highly decorated former SA trainer Ross Sugars, was one of the stars of Australian harness racing.
It was only in January this year that Sugars and Tubbs called time on the remarkable career of their once in a lifetime global trotting superstar Just Believe.
The champion square-gaiter won 38 races during his career banking almost $2 million in prize money where he completed in three countries and two hemispheres.
He enjoyed huge success in NZ last year with wins in the TAB Trot, Rowe Cup and Dominion.
Sugars drove 4028 winners, including 64 at Group 1 level.
