John Gibson, one of the best known figures in harness racing in Australasia, died on Saturday after a short illness.
Mr Gibson, who was 82, was a pioneer in the importation of stallions from North America.
In his own right or in partnership with Brisbane trainer/driver John McMullen, Mr Gibson was responsible for importing nearly 50 stallions to Australia and New Zealand.
Independent of that, the former trainer/driver who cut his teeth on the eastern show circuit, conducted the successful standardbred nursery, Success Stud, initially on the Queensland Darling Downs and in more recent years at Young, in New South Wales.
Mr Gibson, his wife Mary and daughter Jackie through Success Stud have given much back to the harness racing community through sponsorship and have also bred and raced many top line performers including recent standouts Two Eye See and Makes Every Scents.
There was a massive outpouring of love for Mr Gibson and his family on social media over the weekend and the Albion Park Harness Racing Club and the New South Wales Harness Racing Club arranged for black armbands to be worn in his honour at meetings over the weekend.
Mr Gibson died peacefully in hospital at Young.
His funeral details have not been finalised but will be advised once they have been confirmed.
Greg Hayes