Jeff Hanson, Narrandera Argus

Harness Racing lost a legend last week, with Colin Pike passing away in his home town of Temora on Thursday at the age of 90. Growing up in Temora, harness racing was always going to be a part of Pike’s life, and he was introduced to the sport by legendary harness trainer and driver Sylvester Bray.

Pike’s first horse, Rayjen began racing in 1956 and she was his first race drive, and the mare won 10 races for the family, but her claim to fame was to come later in the breeding barn.

While producing the likes of Davian, who won 19 races and good winner Jacraig Adio, a multiple Harold Park winner, Rayjen went on to produce one of the greatest pacers this country has ever seen.

Paleface Adios (Deep Adios x Ray-den) started 240 times winning 108 races, while running 43 seconds and 25 thirds over his career, earning more than $500,000 in prizemoney.

Pike and Paleface Adios started in an incredible seven consecutive Miracle Miles at Harold Park winning once in 1976 beating Don’t Retreat and Hondo Grattan in a time of 1.58.4.

The 1974 Miracle Mile was a race for the ages, which saw arch-rivals Paleface Adios and Hondo Grattan go toe-to-toe in the last lap, with victory going to Hondo Grattan in one of the greatest ever finishes.

Paleface Adios (Colin Pike) versus Hondo Grattan (Tony Turnbull) clashes were legendary and sadly, all four are now gone but will never be forgotten.

Colin Pike and his wife Shirley travelled all over Australia with Paleface Adios, just so the adoring public could meet their champion pacer, known fondly as the Temora Tornado.

Colin Pike was respected for his humility as the fame never changed him.

He was a true gentleman, remembered for his warmth, friendship, and a smile, and volunteered his time when needed.

He was a life member, along with wife Shirley, of his beloved local Temora Harness Racing Club.

Colin Pike’s funeral was held on 5 October 2022, at the Church of England in Temora.

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 6 October 2022.