Glimmer of joy for Justice family after tough week

Handy pacer Helluva (Mach Three) provided a little glimmer of joy in a tough week for John Justice when he won the opening event at harness racing’s Melton track on Saturday night.

John’s mother and respected harness racing figure Josie Justice passed away on Tuesday after a short battle with cancer, and the Toolern Vale horseman spoke about her following the gelding’s victory in the DNR Logistics Pace.

“It’s been a bit of a tough week, but Mum’s in a better place now and she’s not in any pain,” John said.

“She’s up there looking down and probably helping me a bit in the last couple of days.

“Right up to the very end she was still organising the stable, making sure there was plenty of oats, the harness was clean and (checking) how they’ve been track working. It was just her whole life.

“She had a good life so we can’t complain. She came on the 31st of May and left on the 31st of May.”

Josie passed on her 91st birthday, closing a chapter on a life of devotion to the sport and her family, who are poised to carry on her legacy for generations.

She was at the forefront of many people’s minds on Saturday night, with a minute’s silence at Tabcorp Park before the running of the fifth event on the card.

HELLUVA REPLAY