The Queensland harness racing industry is mourning the loss of long-time participant and track curator Ronald Knack.
Affectionately known as "Knacky" by many within the sport, the respected former trainer and owner passed away in late November.
He was 81 years of age.
There wasn’t any aspect of the harness racing industry that Knack did not touch in his lifetime dedicated to the code.
He was initially introduced to the game as an owner before preparing his own team of horses.
Knack also worked to prepare tracks in the Sunshine State and took great pride in presenting them in outstanding condition.
He spent time at all three major current tracks in Queensland – Albion Park, Redcliffe and Marburg – during his stints working as a track curator.
Racing Queensland’s Executive General Manager of Racing David Brick said Knack served the industry with a passion for the sport.
“Ron’s commitment and dedication to the Queensland harness racing industry touched many people,” Brick said.
“His preparation of racetracks throughout South East Queensland has ensured thousands of winners for trainers, drivers and punters while also providing many hours of entertainment for race goers.
“We thank Ron for his many years of service, his love and commitment to the sport of harness racing in Queensland.
“He will be missed and we pass on our sincerest condolences to Ron’s family and friends.”
In the early days of his life, Knack trained horses at his Placid Hills property and often raced at Rocklea, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast.
It was during this time that his interests grew in the harness racing industry and he took a particular fondness for track curation and maintenance which lead him to oversee the track upgrade at Marburg.
He also worked at the Redcliffe club as the track curator in later years followed by a stint as track curator and mobile driver at Albion Park.
The Redcliffe and Albion Park club’s hierarchy both lauded the influence of Knack.
Friends and family of Knack declared he always took great pride in how he presented the tracks.
“Ron Knack was one of the true gentleman of the sport here in Queensland,” Redcliffe president Mark McNee said.
“Ron spent time here as the track curator over 20 years ago and his work on the track was impeccable.
“After his time working for the club, he frequented the club on race days with his family’s horses and was always a welcome figure here.
“He was good to sit and have a conversation with him on the days that he was here as he always had time for anyone in the industry. He will be sorely missed.”
Albion Park Harness Racing Club chairman Greg Mitchell echoed McNee’s thoughts.
“Ron was a great contributor to the APHRC and the industry as a whole,” Mitchell said.
“He was a thorough gentleman and was well respected throughout the industry.
“He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his family.”
Away from the track, Knack married Beryl Meier in 1965 at the Hatton Vale Lutheran Church after meeting at a Grandchester dance.
Not long after, they welcomed baby Wynetta.
Unexpectedly in April of 1996, Meier passed away from complications post-surgery which left Knack with extreme grief and heartache.
Tragically, Wynetta said her father never got over his wife passing and has long battled with mental health.
“I just think that his legacy should be that we need to be able to talk about things and look out for each other,” Wynetta said.
Knack’s influence on the sport of harness racing will long remain following his passing.
Wynetta and her husband Glenn have long been connected with the sport, with their son Nathan one of the leading drivers in the country.
Nathan’s brother Mitchell also trains a team of horses with success in Queensland.
Knack was a regular face at the races until recently and was full of pride in what his family members have been able to achieve in the sport he loved, including Nathan becoming the first reinsman to win 400 races in a season in Queensland.
He was also particularly chuffed to welcome a great granddaughter into their family following the birth of Mila to Nathan and his wife Samantha.
Knack enjoyed being an active member and volunteer at the Gatton Show Society and Marburg Harness Racing Association, where he was awarded life membership at both bodies for his efforts.
He was helping with track maintenance at Marburg up until recently.
“He was always willing to help anybody,” Wynetta said.
“He was always said, if you need a hand, let me know. I think there will be a large turnout, which I'm grateful for at his funeral.
“It will go to show how much respect people have for him.”
The family have set up a fundraising page to honour Knack’s memory and help raise funds for others battling with their mental health.
Click here to donate to the cause.
Knack’s funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatton.
Racing Queensland extends its condolences to the Knack family.
