Albion’s racing community has been shaken by the news that long-time track curator and industry figure Ronald “Knacky” Knack, who helped shape the surface at Albion Park through years of dedicated work, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy rooted in the people who knew him.
A Life Shaped by Tracks and Community
Those who worked alongside Ron across Queensland’s harness racing circuit said he spent years preparing tracks at Albion Park, Redcliffe and Marburg, taking pride in keeping surfaces reliable for trainers and drivers.
Club officials at Albion described him as a steady presence whose work supported the racing community and contributed to the smooth running of countless events. His daughter Wynetta said he had been involved in racing from his early days as a trainer at Placid Hills before shifting his focus to track curation, later helping with the Marburg track upgrade and eventually serving as Albion Park’s curator and mobile driver.
Friends and family shared that he often spoke proudly of the work done at Albion, where he was still seen on race days until recently.
Family Ties and Quiet Struggles
Ron’s family said his connection to the sport continued through the next generation, with his grandsons Nathan and Mitchell Dawson building their own careers in harness racing. Nathan, one of Australia’s leading drivers, became the first reinsman in Queensland to record 400 wins in a single season, an achievement Ron followed closely and celebrated with pride.
The family also spoke about the difficult years following the loss of Ron’s wife, Beryl, who died from complications after surgery. Wynetta said her father lived with long-term mental health challenges and hoped his story would encourage others to look after themselves and the people around them.
To honour his memory, the family has created a mental health fundraiser supporting R U OK?
Clubs Reflect on His Contribution
Community leaders at Redcliffe and Albion Park said Ron’s influence reached beyond track preparation, describing him as a respected figure whose efforts shaped the racing environment for many years. They recalled how he continued attending race days even after stepping back from official duties, often spending time talking with trainers, staff and families.
Many who knew him described him as someone willing to help whenever needed. His ongoing volunteer work at the Gatton Show Society and the Marburg Harness Racing Association earned him life membership at both organisations, and locals noted that he continued assisting with track maintenance at Marburg until recently.
Community Says Goodbye
The family expected a large turnout for his funeral service at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatton on 8 December, and said the community’s response shows how widely he was appreciated. They also encouraged anyone wishing to honour his memory to support the fundraiser created in his name, which continues to receive donations and messages from people across Queensland’s racing circles.
Published 8-Dec-2025
