Laurie Kennedy was a much loved, fun loving and hardworking man for the harness industry.  Laurie formed an interest in harness racing whilst accompanying his Father to Gloucester Park, then following his 2 year’s National Service, Laurie became a WATA member on the 16^th of March 1972.  In recognition to his enormous voluntary contributions to the Harness Racing Industry, Laurie was awarded a WATA Life Member in 2009.  A popular Committee Member, Laurie sat on the WATA Committee from 2013 to 2017, his popularity with Gloucester Park’s members evident when he topped the poll on re-election to the Committee in 2016 and he continued to be a great contributor until his passing on the 25^th of July 2017.

Laurie’s skill in floristry, a hobby he commenced while still at primary school, was obvious to all who saw his sashes, leading to Laurie creating the beautiful garlands that were presented to the classic and feature race winners at Gloucester Park, including the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Inter Dominion Grand Finals.

From just 1 or 2 mares each season Laurie bred 28 individual winners of 118 races including Milliondollarhanova.  Other smart winners that Laurie bred were Bright As (13 wins), Music Lover (6 wins), Addfueltofire (11 wins), Patricia Armbro (9 wins), Full Moon Tonight (9 wins) and Remember Cody (8 wins).  Laurie enjoyed racing his own horses, winning the Golden Mile Cup, Trayning Cup, and 2 & 3 YO races with Gunee Road, Patrick Armbro, Patricia Armbro and Easy Sunshine.  Laurie bred Remember Cody, Bright As, Spot on Brodie, and My Bullwinkle.  At the 2017 Yearling Sale Laurie sold a filly out of Spring Carnival, totally overcome when she was sold for $20,000, the most he’d ever sold a horse for and even more emotional when he saw that she was purchased by Ross Olivieri for Pacing WA realising this beautiful filly would reach her potential.  Carrying all the love, laughter and pride Laurie bestowed on his horses, Sportswriter was the last yearling he sold before his passing.

Laurie was well regarded by his peers, prided himself on his impartiality and never sought personal recognition for his efforts.  In addition to his harness racing endeavours, standardbred horses and horse garlands, Laurie was a beloved School Principal for many years and still found time to act as an overseas/interstate tour guide and assisted at the Swan Valley Tourist Bureau.  But more than anything, Laurie just loved his horses, had a real passion for harness racing and is well respected in the industry.

Laurie was a wonderful man and on Friday night we will again honour him with the running of the Laurie Kennedy race at Gloucester Park!  Join us to pay homage to this amazing man.

Book here for Steelo’s Restaurant or grab a blanket and secure a space on the front lawn.

For more information contact our friendly team on 9323 3555 or bookings@gloucesterpark.com.au.

Featuring the running of

• $50,000 Laurie Kennedy