The Tasmanian racing industry lost an icon, and one of the sport’s true gentlemen, with the passing of Milton Pettit late last week.
Milton was the official race caller in Hobart for 41 years and he held the course photography contract for over 60 years.
Born in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Milton’s expertise in the caller’s box was recognised by calling the 1974 Kentucky Derby.
Milton was race caller in Tasmania from 1958-1999, calling a record 41 Hobart Cups in that time.
Milton’s contribution to the industry has been recognised by multiple racing codes through induction into the Tasmanian Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2022, and induction into the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame as a legend in the same year.
Deepest sympathies to Milton’s wife Kaye, daughter Clare and son Rodney.