25 January 2018 | Alan Parker
There was a sense of shock at Gloucester Park when news came through of the passing of New Zealand breeder and bloodstock agent Bob McArdle.
McArdle had been a friend to Gloucester Park for many years with his many contacts in harness racing proving invaluable to the club in its endeavours to attract the very best horses to Perth for Inter Dominions and other major racing carnivals.
Bob’s daughter Lisa sang the New Zealand national anthem at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Perth Inter Dominion and Bob never stopped talking about that night.
His knowledge of the industry, its participants and the pedigrees of its horses had no peer and Bob’s passing leaves a massive void.
Horses bearing the Franco and Bromac tags, originating from the world renowned Nevele R Stud which he established with Wayne Francis, have graced Western Australian tracks for more than 40 years and have won more than 350 races at Gloucester Park.
Bob McArdle was listed as the breeder of the winners of 110 of those races.
Only 31 breeders have bred more winners in Perth and only three of the 31 are based on the other side of the ditch. The other two are studs and Bob is the only individual.
The President, Committee and staff at Gloucester Park extend their deepest sympathies to Bob’s wife Denise and their children Lisa and Baeden on their sudden and sad loss.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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