The respected former trainer and owner, affectionately known as ‘Knacky’ by many within the sport, passed away at the end of November.
He was 81 years old.
There wasn’t a single aspect of the harness racing industry that Knack didn’t touch during his life dedicated to the code.
He was initially introduced to the game as an owner before preparing his own horse team.
Knack also worked on preparing songs in the Sunshine State and was proud to present them in excellent condition.
He spent time at all three of Queensland’s major current circuits – Albion Park, Redcliffe and Marburg – during his stints as track curator.
Racing Queensland’s Executive General Manager of Racing David Brick said Knack serves the industry with a passion for the sport.
“Ron’s involvement and dedication to the harness racing industry in Queensland has touched many people,” Brick said.
“His preparation of race tracks across South East Queensland has created thousands of winners for trainers, drivers and punters, while also providing many hours of entertainment for racegoers.
“We thank Ron for his many years of service, his love and dedication to the sport of harness racing in Queensland.
“He will be missed and we send our sincere condolences to Ron’s family and friends.”
In the early days of his life, Knack trained horses on his Placid Hills estate and often raced in Rocklea, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast.
It was during this time that his interest in the harness racing industry grew and he developed a particular fondness for the management and maintenance of the track, which led him to oversee the upgrade of the track at Marburg.
He also worked at the Redcliffe club as a track curator in later years, followed by a spell as a track curator and mobile driver at Albion Park.
The Redcliffe and Albion Park club hierarchy both praised Knack’s influence.
Knack’s friends and family stated that he was always very proud of the way he presented the tracks.
“Ron Knack was one of the true gentlemen of the sport here in Queensland,” said Redcliffe president Mark McNee.
“Ron spent time here as a course curator over twenty years ago and his work on the course was impeccable.
“After working for the club he would visit 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 on the days he was here because he always had time for everyone in the industry. He will be greatly missed.”
Albion Park Harness Racing Club chairman Greg Mitchell echoed McNee’s thoughts.
“Ron has made great contributions to the APHRC and the industry as a whole,” Mitchell said.
“He was a thorough gentleman and respected throughout the industry.
“He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family.”
Off the court, Knack married Beryl Meier at Hatton Vale Lutheran Church in 1965 after meeting at a dance in Grandchester.
Not long after, they welcomed baby Wynetta.
Meier died unexpectedly in April 1996 from post-surgery complications, leaving Knack with extreme sadness and grief.
Tragically, Wynetta said her father never got over his wife’s death and has long struggled with mental health.
“I just think his legacy should be that we should be able to talk about things and take care of each other,” Wynetta said.
Knack’s influence on the sport of racing will continue long after his death.
Wynetta and her husband Glenn have a long association with the sport, and their son Nathan is one of the country’s leading drivers.
Nathan’s brother Mitchell also successfully trains a team of horses in Queensland.
A regular face at the races until recently, Knack was proud of what his family members have been able to achieve in the sport he loved, including Nathan becoming the first racer to win 400 races in a season in Queensland.
He was also thrilled 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 with the Gatton Show Society and the Marburg Harness Racing Association, where he was awarded lifetime membership of both bodies for his efforts.
Until recently he helped with track maintenance at Marburg.
“He was always willing to help anyone,” Wynetta said.
“It was always said to him, if you need any help, let me know. I think there will be a big turnout, which I’m grateful for, at his funeral.”
“It will show how much respect people have for him.”
The family has set up a fundraising page to honor Knack’s memory and raise money for others struggling with their mental health.
Click here to donate to the cause.
Knack’s funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatton.
Racing Queensland expresses its condolences to the Knack family.
by Jordan Gerrans and Andrew Smith for Racing Queensland
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