16 February 2018 | the Office of the General Manager, Gary Crocker
Cyril Potts was an unsung hero of harness racing in the north of South Australia for well over forty years. From the 1950’s through to retiring in the 1990’s and moving across the border to Victoria.
As a leading trainer, Cyril shared his love and passion for the sport with many people including Paul Fitzgerald and Ken (Bones) Smith. However, the most notable was Peter Thompson, who himself became the Leading Trainer in the North for several years.
Cyril keenly respected his owners, of which he had many, and would work hard to maintain his horses to high standard whilst keeping his training fees as low as he could at his cherished Simpson Road Stables.
In the 1950’s dedicated himself to the Port Pirie Harness Racing Club Committee. You would often find him at working bee’s for the Club with some of his owners in tow to help. The Port Pirie Harness Racing Club held its very first Driver’s Invitational meeting In the mid 1960’s with Cyril being integral in securing leading Victorian drivers for the event. This Driver’s Invitation race remains a strong part of the Club’s calendar today.
Aside from training horses, Cyril had a great ear for listening and provided a valuable service every Sunday at the track known fondly as “Sunday School”. This was an opportunity for anyone in the industry to come the track, have a drink, share their issues and solve the problems of the world. Fortunately, Cyril was a big man and a non-drinker, so if there were any physical difference of opinions, Cyril could easily step in as ‘crowd control’. Stories from Sunday School sessions are legendary.
Port Pirie Harness Racing Club awarded Cyril Life Membership in the mid-1970’s and the honoured with Legend status in 2013. Even once he moved to Victoria, Cyril always remained in close contact with the Club and the harness racing community, including remaining a regular trophy donor. His philanthropic donations to the Club even extended to paying for the presentation area when the new track was built in 2000. The Port Pirie Club are truly grateful for his support.
Many people will have their own stories about the great man but all would agree, he was a great worker, hard but fair and a true legend of harness racing in Port Pirie.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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