Jim Matthews, a well-known name in the halcyon days of Victorian trotting, passed away on October 19 at age 80.
Matthews enjoyed feature race success as an owner of trotter Adios Bear, winner of the Victorian and New South Wales Derbies in 1968, and the Australasian Trotters Championship the following year.
He was also associated with quality horses such as Never Say Die, Memento, Crown Lou and Parto, handled by legendary Showgrounds horseman Les Turner.
In 1968, Mr Matthews was one of the instigators in the formation of the Trotting Trainers and Drivers Association of Victoria.
The association was established in order to receive proper consideration by the Trotting Control Board on issues affecting horsemen.
Three hundred members had paid a $2 registration fee to join the association within two months of its formation.
Mr Matthews served as the inaugural treasurer of the association, while also filling the role of president for several seasons from 1972, including the period when metropolitan trotting moved to Moonee Valley Racecourse.
He also enjoyed considerable success as an owner in thoroughbred racing over many years.
A respected cattle auctioneer and stock agent, known throughout Australia in that industry, Mr Matthews was involved in the cattle trade from age 14, when he began work at the famed Newmarket Saleyards in Melbourne.
He became an auctioneer with Fisken Read and Co at age 17, later inheriting the company and turning it into the biggest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Mr Matthews is survived by son Raymond, daughter Leanne and four grandchildren.
A private funeral is to be held.
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