Capalaba tips its hat to a club champion who stayed clear of limelight

By Pat McLeod

Capalaba track manager Erin Cameron says Wayne Harris would be embarrassed by all the attention when the inaugural Wayne Harris Appreciation fifth grade Final is run and won on Sunday.

The race attracted a bumper six heats and has resulted in a high-class field for the Final, however Cameron says Harris, who passed away in April, 2021, was not about the limelight.

“Wayne was the person every sporting club dreams about,” she said.

“As far as volunteers go, they don’t come any better. Wayne seemed to be always around the Capalaba club doing something.

“He was a painter, but his skill set at this club stretched far wider than that. Bus driver, gate attendant, painter, barman, cold room stocker and general groundsman - the list just went on.

“He was here to help everyone, doing whatever. Of course he also found time to be a trainer, as well.

“The one thing he never looked for was praise. He was just a fantastic person.

“When he passed away the whole club felt it deeply because he was a friend to all.”

Cameron said that since Harris' passing the club had named several races after him, however had always intended to honour him with a feature race.

“We are really happy that it has come to fruition,” she said.

“And, the really pleasing aspect is that not only did it attract six heats, but the quality of the runners in the Final is just incredible.

“The number of trainers who wanted to be part of this, I believe, is a reflection on Wayne and just how popular he was.

“This Final will be a high class race. There are a lot of chances, but I believe Jedda Cutlack’s Valhalla will be very hard to beat.

“The dog is the quickest qualifier (19.45 seconds) and loves the outside, so box eight is perfect for him. But, as I said, this field has plenty of chances.”

Cameron said she was expecting a strong contingent from Harris' family to be at the track on Sunday, led by Harris' wife Carolyn.

“It will be a great day and a fitting tribute to one of the club’s best,” she said.

Cameron said the boutique straight track was moving from a relatively quiet period into ‘busier times’.

“Of course we have the Straight Of Origin coming up on June 18,” she said.

“That event has proved very popular and will be even more so this year with a new format and prize money jumping from $24,000 to $63,500.”