Thursday, 15 May 2025

 Anthony CARBINES (Ivanhoe – Minister for Police, Minister for Community Safety, Minister for Victims, Minister for Racing) (09:50): The passing of champion driver Greg Sugars at the age of 40 has devastated the harness racing industry, which mourns a gifted reinsman, outstanding professional and wonderful person. Sugars passed in New South Wales last month, shattering news that was felt across the globe, having been widely regarded as one of Australia’s greatest drivers after a 25-year career that boasted more than 4000 wins. Harness Racing Victoria chairman Bernard Saundry paid tribute to the person affectionately known as ‘The Candyman’:

We have lost one of harness racing’s best … Greg was a wonderful person and an incredible ambassador for our sport.

In all he won 64 group 1s in Australia and six more in New Zealand. His Australian record is 24,265 starts, 4028 wins, 6500 placings and more than $38 million in earnings for connections. Prominent horsemen Craig Demmler said of his great mate:

His love for the horse was freakish, he respected everybody and he, in turn, had the respect of everyone he met.

I was represented by my office at the memorial service at the Melton harness racing track on Monday. Hundreds were in attendance. Deepest sympathies and condolences to Sugars’s wife Jess, his parents Ross and Kerry, sister Kylie and a wide group of friends and admirers across our sport. Vale, Greg Sugars.