You bet Laura's proud of Slick's work
Laura Legend
It was a heartening stay of proceedings at the bustling Laura Races last month when all bets were held to pay respect to ‘Slick’ Davies by naming the home straight of the picturesque race course after the former curator.
Leonard “Slick” Douglas Davies, died on January 24, 2026, aged 80 and continues to be remembered as a passionate racing man who always kept the grounds in immaculate condition.
A jockey, fisherman and family man, his legacy at the Laura Racecourse lives on, with son Phillip taking on the role of caretaker.
“Being a jockey, he was pretty successful at it, and training as well; he was the first dual-licensed trainer-jockey in Queensland,” he said.
“All our lives, it was horses, and my brother and myself followed in his footsteps — Terry was a trainer, and I was a jockey.
“Dad [also] loved fishing. His love of fishing and the racing industry lives on in a lot of close friends and family at the Laura Racecourse and Rodeo grounds.”
Laura Amateur Turf Club president Phil Holloway gathered family and friends of Slick during the packed Laura Races to reveal the “Slick Davies Straight”, adding Slick had worked as caretaker at Laura for 30 years and it had been a great loss.
“He looked after it like it was his own personal yard. It’s a huge loss for the club, absolutely huge,’’ Mr Holloway said.
“But we are in good hands with Phil taking on the job. He has learnt from one of the best.’’
