A service will be held on Friday to commemorate Albert Rothacker, a member of harness racing’s famed family, after he passed last Sunday night at age 91.
Along with his brother Gordon and cousin Eric, Mr Rothacker was a regular trots driver in the 1950s and ’60s as well as a hobbyist trainer, said his son and current trainer Robert.
“Dad drove quite a bit and took Arlen to Melbourne in the mid ’60s and won a couple of metro races,” Robert said.
“In the ’50s he drove Wilbur’s Hope and three Rothackers were in a race once and he did get up and beat Eric and Gentleman John and Gordon and Avian Again. Wilbur’s Hope was a fantastic free-legged horse.”
Robert said his father’s driving career came to an end after hurting his shoulder in a fall at Horsham in the early 1970s, but that he continued to train until 1994-95 as well as own, including Impala who Albert bred and owned and who raced with Robert until 2005.
All are welcome to attend a service from 11am on Friday at Yarrayne Cemetery, Serpentine.
Harness Racing Victoria extends its condolences to Mr Rothacker’s friends and family.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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