22 March 2018 | HRNSW Media
THE harness racing fraternity is mourning the passing of legendary administrator Max Laughton OAM.
Mr Laughton, a Penrith harness racing icon, passed away last night.
He was the longest-serving President at Penrith Paceway, serving on the Executive Committee since 1964 and had been President since 1988.
Amongst this, Mr Laughton worked in the New South Wales Police Force, starting his career in 1948 at Penrith and eventually became the Chief Police Inspector in 1984.
After 40 years of service in the Police Force, Mr Laughton was awarded a Merit of Services Award.
Retiring from the Police Force in 1988, Mr Laughton devoted all of his spare time to Penrith Paceway.
He originally obtained the ‘harness racing bug’ at the age of 24 when he began working horses with Alf Phillis.
Mr Laughton was a foundation member of the Penrith Harness Racing Club and in 1999 it was his decision to build the registered club.
As a mark of respect, drivers will wear black armbands at tonight’s race meeting at Penrith.
A funeral for Mr Laughton will be held next Wednesday, March 28, at Pinegrove in the North Chapel at 3pm which will be followed by a wake at Penrith Paceway.
Harness Racing New South Wales extends sincere condolences to Max’s beloved wife Lorna, his family and friends.
“Max was an admired administrator, a rock for the Penrith Club and will be sorely missed in all harness racing circles,” HRNSW chief executive John Dumesny.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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