About Roy Purdon
Lived 1927 – 2022 (aged 94). Roy Purdon was a New Zealand horse trainer and harness racing.
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.
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Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Roy Purdon's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Roy Purdon?
New Zealand harness-racing trainer
When was Roy Purdon born?
Roy Purdon was born on 16 February 1927 in Auckland.
When did Roy Purdon die?
Roy Purdon died on 2 February 2022 in Middlemore Hospital.
What was Roy Purdon's occupation?
Roy Purdon was a horse trainer and harness racing.
What nationality was Roy Purdon?
Roy Purdon was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Roy Purdon. https://biography.guide/roy-purdon/
MLA: "Roy Purdon." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/roy-purdon/.
Chicago: "Roy Purdon." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/roy-purdon/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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