Racing world in mourning after shock death of ‘much-loved champion’ Greg Sugars

• Decorated trainer and driver Greg Sugars has died 
• Sugars passed away in his sleep aged just 40

By JAMES COONEY FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

In a shocking blow to the Australian harness racing community, celebrated trainer and driver Greg Sugars has passed away unexpectedly aged just 40.

The well-known trainer and driver died in his sleep after driving to New South Wales on Saturday to ready his team to race at Menangle.

His wife, Jess Tubbs, announced the shocking news on social media. 

‘With an absolutely shattered heart that doesn’t want to believe it’s possibly true, I need to share the news that Greg passed away in his sleep last night,’ Jess wrote.

‘He had excitedly driven our team to NSW yesterday, with none of us possibly predicting this was in our future.

‘His beloved son Harvey doesn’t yet understand that dad won’t be home to take him to Puppy School Graduation on Tuesday.

Celebrated trainer and driver Greg Sugars has passed away unexpectedly aged just 40

The legendary horseman died in his sleep after driving to New South Wales on Saturday

‘We are heartbroken and very much still processing everything so some time and space will be appreciated.’

Harness Racing Victoria decided to cancel its meeting Saturday night in Melton ‘out of respect for Greg and his family’.

‘Harness Racing Victoria extends its deepest condolences to the Sugars family, Jess Tubbs, and all fellow participants following the heartbreaking news of Greg Sugars’ passing,’ Harness Racing Victoria said.

Tributes for Sugars have flooded social media.

‘Words simply aren’t enough when you hear a story like this one. Greg Sugars had so much more to give. Condolences to the harness racing family,’ posted broadcaster Andrew Bensley.

SEN radio boss Craig Hutchison posted: ‘Devastated to learn tonight of the passing of Greg Sugars. Shattering. Much loved and respected champion driver in the trots world; thoughts of SEN’s entire team entire team are with Jess, his family, and everyone at HRV. A wonderful man, taken so young. RIP.’

Adam Hamilton posted: ‘The feeling of devastation is immense. The pain through the harness racing industry around the world is immeasurable. What a talent. What a star. What a passionate and wonderful man. RIP Greg Sugars.’

Sky racing wrote: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of champion harness trainer/driver Greg Sugars. Our thoughts are with the Sugars family in this incredibly tough time.’ 

We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Greg Sugars’ passing.

Greg will be remembered as one of the sport’s legendary trainers and drivers, and we were privileged to see him at his best behind Just Believe in the 2023 Inter Dominion.

RQ extends its condolences to Jess… pic.twitter.com/eqa0cBZRvF

— Racing Queensland (@Racing_QLD) April 26, 2025

SENTrack is saddened to hear of the passing of Greg Sugars. Our thoughts are with the Sugars family, Jess Tubbs, and all fellow participants. pic.twitter.com/CAAgUAlfwl

— SENTrack (@SEN_track) April 26, 2025

The harness racing world is in mourning following the news of his tragic passing

Sugars, the son of decorated former trainer Ross Sugars, was very well-known in the world harness racing ranks.

Earlier this year, he had called time on the stunning career of his global trotting champion Just Believe.

Sugars trained a remarkable 4028 winners at the time of his death, 64 of those at group 1 level.

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Racing world in mourning after shock death of ‘much-loved champion’ Greg Sugars

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