Late Chris Garrard's influence on racing lauded

By Jordan Gerrans

There wasn’t a hat that the late great Chris Garrard didn’t wear across his lifetime in the racing industry.

The patriarch of the well-known Garrard family passed away on Monday of last week after a battle with illness.

He was dedicated to racing throughout his life and touched almost every aspect of the sport.

He was a harness trainer and driver in his early days before also being involved as an owner, breeder, sponsor and administrator.

Chris was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2019 for his services to the harness racing industry.

He was widely known as ‘CJ Garrard’ and passed away at 84 years of age.

The voice of harness racing in the Sunshine State Chris Barsby summed up the revered industry figure's influence. 

“He is a person that gave so much to the industry and that was across all three racing codes,” the respected broadcaster said.

“The Garrards name is synonymous with racing, but harness racing was the biggest benefactor of CJ’s brilliance, really.

“He invested so much time and effort into harness racing and we are seeing that right through his son Daren and grandson Angus.”

Originally hailing from New South Wales, Chris’ involvement in horses dated all the way back to the 1940s.

Just hours after Chris’ passing, Daren and Angus delivered a heartfelt winner at Albion Park.

In the opening event of the Tuesday meeting, with Chris’ death just the day prior, Angus drove Sheza Chance to victory at the massive quote of $61 and gave a memorable salute to the heavens as he crossed the finish line.

The Garrard family might have had a little extra bit of guidance in the 2138 metre race for the trotters.

“That was pretty cool,” Angus said.

“I am sure I had a bit of help there. It was a very special win on Tuesday.”

There is no doubt the late Chris would have been supremely proud of what his grandson Angus is achieving as a 22-year-old reinsman after he was also a regular in the sulky in his younger years.

Angus competed on Saturday night’s Albion Park program which was the headline event for the carnival.

“It is touching the amount of people who have been in contact and reached out,” Angus said.

“It is good to know a lot of people appreciated what he did and I am certainly thankful for what he did for me and the rest of the family.

“We will remember him forever.”

While the family’s passion has always been the harness game, they have arguably left their greatest mark on racing through their family business, Garrards Horse and Hound.

Chris and wife Maureen founded the operation.

The Garrards Horse and Hound brand is one that is easily recognisable across Australasia for their sponsorship of races and events as well as selling participants with the necessary tools to compete in their field.

Garrards Horse and Hound has been a staple of the racing industry since the 1980s.

Chris was heavily involved in several clubs within the Sunshine State and spent time on the board of the Albion Park Harness Racing Club.

He is also a life member of the APHRC.

APHRC CEO Jim Waddell lauded Chris’ long-standing support of the entire industry.

“Chris Garrard is one of the most generous benefactors to all codes of racing, but with a definite passion for harness racing,” Waddell said.

“That passion has been a family legacy, with son Daren a harness trainer and grandson Angus now blazing a path on the harness track.

“’CJ’ was an ambassador and advocate for harness racing and would always do whatever was necessary to help strengthen the industry he loved.

“We mourn the loss of Chris Garrard. CJ, as he was known to many, was an extraordinary man and his generosity, dedication and unwavering passion for all codes of racing, will be forever missed.

“Chris Garrard’s contribution to harness racing will never be forgotten. He leaves behind a legacy of passion, commitment, and heart and we are all better for having known him.”

He was also instrumental at the Peninsula-based club in Queensland, spending time as their president, and was recognised as a club patron and life member at Redcliffe.

Redcliffe Peninsula Harness Racing and Sporting Club President Mark McNee pointed to the Patron’s Purse – which is run at Group 3 level every year – as a sign of respect for what Chris contributed to the track.

“There are not enough superlatives to describe Chris Garrard. He was a true gentleman on and off the track,” McNee said.

“His sponsorship was invaluable to the Redcliffe Harness Racing Club and was greatly appreciated.

“Chris will be sorely missed by everyone involved with the club.”

Former Redcliffe president Bernie Ring echoed McNee’s thoughts.

“Chris was a big influence and inspiration of the club as president with his continuous sponsorship,” Ring said.

“His business acumen was great for the club and his sponsorship of yearling sales series races has been significant for the club over the years.”

Racing Queensland extends its condolences to the Garrard family.