There are few figures in the regional Victorian harness racing embodied both performance and humility such as the late Matt Donaldson, whose name had been synonymous with the sport in Charlton and beyond for more than seven decades.
Donaldson, who died this week, not only leaves behind a record of performance, but also memories of a friendly, generous and deeply respected man whose life was lived in the service of the sport and community that he loved.
The Charlton Harness Racing Club announced the death of the beloved trainer, driver, breeder, manager and mentor and described him as a real lord of the sport.
“It goes without saying what a large part he played in the life of the Charlton Harness Racing Club, and his name will always be linked to the success of the industry that we now like in Charlton. He was indeed a life that is really devoted to the love for this great sport,” the club said.
Harness racing was central from a young age in the life of Donaldson.
When he grew up in Charlton, he was surrounded by a strong traven tradition and quickly immersed himself in sport.
He had joined the Charlton Trotting Club Committee against his teenage years in the 1950s, starting with what would be a lifetime of the club and the Victorian armor races.
From those early days, Donaldson’s contribution only grew. He then served as president in the 1970s, secretary in the late 1980s and early nineties, and was recognized with life membership in 1976.
His influence reached far beyond his hometown. Donaldson was a member of the Foundation of the Association of Victorian Country Harness Racing Clubs and the Victorian Square Trotters’ Association, which in 1995 achieved membership of the latter.
On the circuit he was a successful rider in himself, and won countless Premierships in the northern region of Victoria and represented Australia at the World Amateur Drivers’ Championship 1992 in Paris.
He also turned his hand on documenting history and wrote the official 50-year history of the club in 1998, so that the story of Charlton would be stored for future generations.
In 2006, Donaldson’s lifelong service was recognized on the industry when he was awarded the Gordon Rothacker Medal, Harness Racing Victoria’s highest individual honor. The prize celebrated its excellent and persistent contribution to the sport, both on and outside the track.
It was a crowned performance for a man who had devoted more than half a century to the use of racing.
The news about the death of Donaldson has led to an outpouring of tribute from the entire sport and the local community.
Former prominent raced broadcaster Bryan Martin simply described him as “a legend in armor races that dedicated his life to the sport.”
Others remembered him as a generous mentor and friend. It was reminded: “Matt was a valued and highly respected friend and mentor for many years … Many great memories of Bijen’s Trotting Club and then socialize.”
Trainers and drivers spoke warmly about his generosity and guidance: “He was a great trainer and mentor … Matty was a large part of the Charlton Harness Racing family for many decades.”
Expressions of sympathy have been streamed to his wife Elaine, their children Gary, Ian, Leonie and Katherine and their extensive families.
Donaldson’s passion for Harnas Racen lives on through his family, especially in his son Gary, a popular Bendendo trainer and driver. Gary not only inherited his father’s Horsemanship, but also his dedication to the sport, so that the name of Donaldson lives on in Victorian Harness races.
HarnessLink is expanding its sympathy for the Donaldson family.
By Terry Walk For Harnesslink
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