We should, all of us, be familiar with the term “DYNASTY”, as it applies to family members who create a line of succession over generations. It is closely aligned with ,and fuelled by, success and power in a particular direction. All dynasties have a starting point, and only a select few of us see their inception. How long these structures last depends on the member’s ability to continue domination in their particular field, and to grow that domination. History being an exercise in hindsight, it is not for us who write at this time, to predict the future of the Dawson Dynasty. We can only report the current situation. If all goes well, many years down the track, today’s level of success may be just the forerunner of a harness racing juggernaut. You be the judge..
Our story commences when the late Des Weeks moved into Briggs Road, near the Ipswich Showgrounds in 1963. Next door were John and Beryl Dawson. An interest in harness racing was kindled, with John and Beryl’s son Geoff a willing student, as master horseman, Weeks, passed on his wide knowledge of the training and driving of the pacers. With John training and Geoff driving so the skills were honed, and the Dawsons tasted success at Rocklea with “MEMBERSHIP” in 1971. The bug had bitten, and “Team Dawson” were hooked. Success followed quickly, so much so that the father and son combo won the trainers and driver’s premierships at Ipswich in 1976. John continued to develop his horseman skills from there on, training the likes of Shute Harbour, Welcome Command, and Robin Commander. John and Beryl had three children who remained in the industry. Geoff married Gail (Morris family) and their children Melissa, Trent and Kelli also followed the harness path. Glenn married Wynetta (Knack family), with Mitchell and Nathan taking up the reins. Jennette married John McMullen Jnr and their kids Pete, Narissa, Dannielle and Taleah continued the trend. The extended family has provided 23 owners,18 trainers, who have presented in excess of 40,000 starters and a total of 18 drivers, not all of whom are active at this time. Their combined on track appearances is over 80,000.
The Patriarch, John, passed away on Christmas Eve 2002. On Friday, January 20th, at Albion Park, the feature event will be the John and Beryl Legacy, honouring the 20 year anniversary of John’s passing and his wife Beryl, who is now is her late 80s. Albion Park is delighted to
Narissa McMullen-- Very active 3rd generation member of "Clan Dawson"
host this event. Those eligible to drive in the event include: Trent Dawson (who floated the idea of the race), Kelli Dawson and her partner Shane Graham, Nathan Dawson Narissa McMullen and partner Matt Elkins, Taleah McMullen and her partner Trent Lethaby, and Danielle Veivers (nee McMullen). Melissa Gillies (nee Dawson) and Mitchell Dawson don’t currently hold a drivers’ license and are ineligible.
Racing Queensland has endorsed the event, supplying a rug and trophy for the race. In the racing season just gone, 2022, eight drivers and eleven trainers who are direct blood descendants of John and Beryl Dawson were active. Trainer/drivers will have their training winners in brackets. Pete McMullen 266 (5), Nathan Dawson 235 (13), Narissa McMullen 147 (45),Trent Dawson 50 (43), Taleah McMullen 115, Kelli Dawson 12 (4). Trainers only, John McMullen 89, Mitchell Dawson 20, Geoff Dawson 11, Melissa Gillies 10, Glenn Dawson 10. From the above came 850 winners driven and 265 trained. Some effort. John and Beryl Dawson were always humble and caring. Granma (Beryl Dawson) take a bow and we Thank you.
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