Vale Tony Cumming

The Sunraysia harness racing community is mourning the passing of Dareton trainer Tony Cumming, who passed last Wednesday aged 59.

Tony and his father Brian were a formidable combination for many years at both Mildura and Nyah meetings, with Brian training many smart horses and Tony driving them.

When the Wentworth track was in operation they were regulars there and enjoyed great success – on one occasion Tony drove five winners on the program, an achievement never surpassed.

After Brian passed, Tony and his family shifted from Irymple to the Coomealla district, where he trained a handy team that was on most occasions always in the money.

Tony commenced his driving career at a young age (long before concessions were in vogue) and was a regular in the winners’ circle at Mildura driving in excess of 300 victories – his highlight being the big day at Wentworth. His last driving win was with The Red Falcon at Mildura in 2001.

So far as training goes, records show more than 200 victories but most likely there were many more not recorded.

Goulburn Valley trainer Steven Duffy, who drove numerous winners for him over and was a loyal friend, paid respect to Tony saying his horses always performed admirably.

Horses were Tony’s life. He will be sadly missed by all at the Mildura trots.

Harness Racing Victoria extends its sincere sympathy to Tony’s mother Lorna, his wife Tania, sons Matthew and Jake, and daughter Nicole.

His funeral will be this Friday at 10.30am at the Coomealla Lawn Cemetery. He will be laid to rest next to his father.

by Len Baker, for Harness Racing Victoria