Remembering Jack Rogers and the Weowna dynasty

When a farmer from the remote northwest Victorian Millewa district by the name of Jack Rogers purchased a harness racing broodmare in the late 1960s, he undoubtedly changed the course of his family’s life.

The mare, Moving On (Camspring) was the foundation for the Rogers family’s famed Weowna moniker, and Jack’s achievements with Moving On’s progeny and his passion for harness racing were remembered at his funeral in Mildura recently after he passed away, aged 95.

Determined, loyal and direct, Jack was an astute breeder and a respected trainer as well as a fierce advocate for harness racing in Mildura and the former Wentworth HRC, where he served terms as president.

His purchase of Moving On was part of Jack’s long-term plan in the sport, but it didn’t take long for him to experience success.

The first horse he ever raced was a daughter of Moving On, Weowna Hanover. She won her first two starts and went on to win at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

Moving On’s next foal was Weowna Robbie, who won at the Melbourne Showgrounds and at Moonee Valley, and was a Horse of the Year at Mildura in the 1970s.

From then, there were too many Weownas to name, from one generation to the next.  Jack’s best-ever bred horse was Weowna Robbie, who was out of Weowna Hanover.  Weowna Kenny was raced by Jack’s three grand children and won 63 races.

Weowna Kenny still holds the record at Globe Derby Park of 41 wins on the track.

Jack’s son Greg followed his father into the sport, taking over the training and driving from the late 1970s with great success.  He is now based in South Australia

Jack is survived by his wife Dorothy, his son Greg and daughter-in-law Rhonda and his daughter Anne and son-in-law Peter. Jack was the much-loved Poppy of grandchildren Brechell and Ricky; Rebeka and Paul; and Kenny, and Great Poppy to Lauren, Jaityn, and Jacksen.

Harnesslink extends its condolences to the Rogers family for their loss.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink