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SA Racing fraternity to farewell ‘DT’

The South Australian racing fraternity will today farewell one of its most respected and valued members.

The funeral for David ‘DT’ Thomas will be held, fittingly, at Morphettville Racecourse from 1pm.

DT joined Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (now Racing SA) in the early 2000s as its accountant, and before that in the banking industry.

Renowned for his seemingly bottomless storage of racing knowledge, DT soon took on other roles within TRSA, eventually becoming Racing Manager.

In addition to his important role with everyday racing duties, such as nominations, acceptances and judging, he was involved in a raft of other crucial tasks.

These included luring interstate trainers and horses to South Australia for carnival races, and promoting the SA racing scene on the national stage.

He also liaised closely with local jockeys and trainers, often being the conduit between industry participants and industry governance, on matters such as WorkCover.

He was a friend to local media and was among the proudest and most vocal supporters of South Australian racing.

Since news of his shock passing emerged over a week ago week, the industry has come together in support of his family.

After winning the final race at Gawler yesterday, jockey Eran Boyd’s post-race interview with Racing.com’s Terry McAuliffe – who was extremely close to DT – summed up the regard in which he was held.

“It’s going to be a very tough day for everyone there,” she said.

“David Thomas was such a loved, well respected man.  

“He did so much for us riders, for everyone really.

“But (it will be) a very tough day and he’ll be very, very missed.”

The funeral for David will be livestreamed at 1pm (ACST) today (Thursday 3 June 2021). Click here to view the service.

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