Roy Purdon

Roy Cleveland Purdon (16 February 1927 – 2 February 2022) was a notable New Zealand harness-racing trainer. He was New Zealand's leading trainer in 21 seasons, either on his own or in partnership with his son, Barry.

Early life and family Purdon was born in the Auckland suburb of Freemans Bay on 16 February 1927, the son of Hugh Purdon, a Scottish immigrant. At the age of 14, he suffered an injury while playing rugby that resulted in his spending six weeks in hospital and six months with a cast around his hips, and left him with a permanent limp.

Harness racing Purdon began training with his father on a 400-metre track in New Lynn, but it was from the 1970s until 1995 that he dominated harness racing in New Zealand and Australia.

Later life and death Purdon retired from training in 1995. having been predeceased by his wife, Margaret, in 2015.