Charles Victor Boyd
The name Charles Boyd will forever be synonymous with the Queensland harness racing industry. From his childhood days on the family farm to his services in the legendary Light Horse, horses played a dominant role in the life of Charles Boyd.
It was to be his love of the Standardbred and his untiring work as both an active member and administrator of harness sports, which set his name aside as one of the most respected in Australian equine circles.
Charles Boyd was born at Lake Clarendon, in the Lockyer Valley district of Queensland on May 6, 1903. In 1921 he joined the Citizens Military Forces with the 14th Light Horse Regiment where he progressed to Sergeant Major. In 1930, he was promoted to Captain of A Squadron in the 2nd /14th Light Horse Regiment. He was called up for active service overseas with the A.I.F. in 1940 and proceeded to the rank of Major.
On returning to civilian life, Charles became an original member of the first Queensland Trotting Administrative Centre from 1956 to 1976, and the first Trotting Control Board from 1956 to 1962. He served a total of 34 years on the Queensland Trotting Board, including 12 years as deputy chairman. He was also the original chairman of the Downs Trotting club for 12 years, and a life member of the Darling Downs Harness Racing Club.
Included in the many successful pacers he raced was the champion, and Queensland record holder, Stormy Water, which went on to become a successful sire.
Charles Boyd died in January 1988, aged 85, and at the end of a lifetime dedicated to his passion for horses.