Vale our beloved red coat

The Creek sends our condolences to the family of Don Ross Snr who passed away at home earlier today.

The patriarch of the Ross family, a name synonymous with Queensland harness racing, the Ross family served as the red coats for over 35 years on south-east Queensland racetracks.

Such was the standing of Ross senior, in 2016 he was inducted to the Queensland Harness Racing Hall of Fame and later was a member of the Hall of Fame selection panel and in 2023, was awarded life membership of the Albion Park Harnes Racing Club.

Ross senior was introduced to harness horses by his parents and was involved in chariot racing in the 1950s.

Managing a feedlot at Tingalpa, Ross senior started in harness racing when buying a horse named My Gentry from the Wanless family.

Then in 1986, he was asked to be the Clerk of the Course and so started the Ross family legacy as the red coats.

Officiating in his first Inter Dominion Series in 1986 at Albion Park, Ross senior had the pleasure of leading back one of the all-time greats of the sport in Australia, Village Kid.

That night was one of the biggest crowds ever seen on a Queensland harness tracks and the Ross family had the distinction of being involved in the 1993, 2001 and 2009 Inter Dominions along with thousands of other races along the journey, keeping the drivers safe on the track.

Ross senior was joined by son Donny for many years, and later by grand-children Donald, Isobel and Stephanie.

A gifted horseman, those skills were passed through the Ross family and were on full display in their duties as the red coats and with the family -Don Ross Show Entertainment enterprise.

One of the highlights over many years of the Ross Entertainment business was the Ben Hur Spectacular, while productions including The Man From Snowy River and show displays at the Ekka and the Sydney Royal Easter Show thrilled the crowds.

Ross was named the 2009 Ekka Legend for his contribution to the Ekka night program over many years.

The Roman Chariot races were an Ekka night show drawcard since their inception in 1958, when a 24-year-old Don and his younger brother had the crowds cheering with their daring displays of horsemanship.

Still actively working as a clerk at The Creek at age 89, Don’s red coat was hung up in October 2023, when the Ross family called time on their duties to pursue other interests.

Don Ross Snr was 90 and is survived by his loving wife Judy, Donny and Lisa, Jenny and David, grandchildren Donald, Sam, Stephanie, Victoria, Isobel, Elizabeth and Angus.

As a mark of respect, the flags at The Creek have been lowered to half-mast and drivers will wear black armbands.

Vale, our beloved red coat.