CONDELL Park horseman John ‘Jack’ Leonard will always be remembered as one of Sydney’s champion horsemen following his passing.
Jack trained and drove countless winners, many of them champions of their era, and sadly passed away last weekend, aged 90.
One of his best performed pacers was the mare Scotirra, as former leading harness racing writer Harry Pearce remembers.
“Scotirra was certainly one of his best horses,” Pearce recalled.
“She won many races in top class company.
“Some of her best wins were in the 1965 and 1966 Spring Cups at Harold Park.”
Scotirra raced by the Hando family, grew in prominence in New South Wales during the 1960’s.
Racing the best of them, Scotirra made the 1966 Inter Dominion Grand Final at Harold Park.
Driven by Jack, the pair finished seventh to Chamfer’s Star in that edition.
In more recent years, Jack had plenty of success with the pacer Royal Three.
Also bred and raced by the Hando family, Royal Three faced some of the best during his era too.
“Royal Three made it to top class company as well,” Pearce said.
“Royal Three and Scotirra were some of the best horses Jack trained.
“He trained his team of horses at Bankstown and was up amongst the great horsemen of that time and was a gifted farrier.”
To all of Jack’s family and friends, Harness Racing NSW extends its deepest condolences.
Funeral details to be announced.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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