Tributes flow for elder statesman of Victorian harness racing

Few figures in regional Victorian harness racing embodied both achievement and humility quite like the late Matt Donaldson, whose name was synonymous with the sport in Charlton and beyond for more than seven decades.

Donaldson, who passed away this week, leaves behind not only a record of achievement, but also memories of a kind, generous and deeply respected man whose life was lived in the service of the sport and community he loved.

The Charlton Harness Racing Club announced the passing of the much-loved trainer, driver, breeder, administrator and mentor, describing him as a true gentleman of the sport.

“It goes without saying what a huge part he played in the life of the Charlton Harness Racing Club, and his name will always be linked to success of the industry we now enjoy in Charlton. His was indeed a life truly dedicated to the love of this great sport,” the club said.

Harness racing was central to Donaldson’s life from a young age.

Growing up in Charlton, he was surrounded by a strong trotting tradition and quickly immersed himself in the sport.

By his teenage years in the 1950s, he had joined the Charlton Trotting Club Committee, beginning what would become a lifetime of service to the club and to Victorian harness racing.

From those early days, Donaldson’s contribution only grew. He went on to serve as President in the 1970s, Secretary in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and was recognised with Life Membership in 1976.

His influence extended well beyond his hometown. Donaldson was a foundation member of the Association of Victorian Country Harness Racing Clubs and the Victorian Square Trotters’ Association, earning Life Membership of the latter in 1995.

On the track, he was a successful horseman in his own right, winning numerous premierships in Victoria’s northern region and representing Australia at the 1992 World Amateur Drivers’ Championship in Paris.

He also turned his hand to documenting history, writing the club’s official 50-year history in 1998, ensuring Charlton’s story would be preserved for future generations.

In 2006, Donaldson’s lifelong service to the industry was recognised when he was awarded the Gordon Rothacker Medal, Harness Racing Victoria’s highest individual honour. The award celebrated his outstanding and sustained contribution to the sport, both on and off the track.

It was a crowning achievement for a man who, by then, had already dedicated more than half a century to harness racing.

News of Donaldson’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the sport and the local community.

Former prominent racing broadcaster Bryan Martin described him simply as “A legend in harness racing who devoted his life to the sport.”

Others remembered him as a generous mentor and friend. One recalled: “Matt was a valued and highly respected friend and mentor over many years … lots of terrific memories of trotting club working bees and socialising afterwards.”

Trainers and drivers spoke warmly of his generosity and guidance: “He was a wonderful trainer and mentor … Matty was a huge part of the Charlton harness racing family for many decades.”

Expressions of sympathy have flowed to his wife Elaine, their children Gary, Ian, Leonie and Katherine, and their extended families.

Donaldson’s passion for harness racing lives on through his family, most notably in his son Gary, a popular Bendigo trainer and driver. Gary inherited not only his father’s horsemanship but also his devotion to the sport, ensuring that the Donaldson name lives on in Victorian harness racing.

Harnesslink extends its sympathy to the Donaldson family.

From Terry Gange for Harnesslink