Fred Jones Trotters Cup headlines Globe Derby meeting

This Saturday night’s Globe Derby program features the annual Fred Jones Trotters Cup, a race that honours one of South Australia’s most influential harness racing figures.

Born in 1924 and passing in 2011, Fred Jones played a pivotal role during the golden era of South Australian harness racing. His contributions were recognised nationally when he received a Distinguished Service Award from the Australian Harness Racing Council in 1995 — the first South Australian to be honoured in this way.

Jones served:

• Six years on the Australian Harness Racing Council (now HRA) and the Inter Dominion Council
• Eight years on the State Harness Racing Board
• Seven years as President of BOTRA

Following his passing, Harness Racing SA and the SA Square Trotters Association introduced the SA Fred Jones Country Trot Cup, which has since become a staple of the state’s trotting calendar. This year’s edition again brings together a full field of South Australia’s leading square-gaiters.

Jones’ legacy is further recognised through life memberships with the SA Harness Racing Club, the SA Harness Racing Board, SA BOTRA, and the Square Trotters Association — a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.

Media personality Bruce McAvaney a lifetime friend of Fred Jones donates a rug to the winner of the event each year, and the trophy for the race is donated by Jones’s nephews Matt & Brad Jones.

by Gary Newton for Harnesslink