An Aussie racing legend was laid to rest at a racetrack he dominated. Then his ashes disappeared

Exclusive: When Vinny Knight, the country’s most famous harness racing prodigy, died in 1991, his ashes were laid to rest at Melbourne’s Moonee Valley Racecourse – the track where he made his name.

Then, last year, bulldozers moved in for a $3 billion redevelopment, and Knight's ashes and granite headstone vanished.

The Knight family told A Current Affair they were never told where his ashes went.

His widow, Diane, feared he ended up in a "pile of rubble".

When the family demanded answers, the club offered a curious explanation – pointing to a purported file note it had from June 2022 that claimed Knight's ashes and granite headstone were handed back to his widow that year.

It was a false claim the club maintained despite the family's repeated insistence it did not have Knight's ashes.

Only after being sent questions by A Current Affair did the club perform a sudden about-face, blaming an "administration" error for the incorrect file note and admitting the ashes were in storage all along.

Neither the club's chief executive nor chairman were available to explain the blunder in an interview with the program.

A Moonee Valley Racing Club spokesperson said it acknowledged the concerns raised by the Knight family.

"Following further enquiries, the club identified an anomaly in its records which resulted in incorrect information previously being communicated to the family regarding the collection of Mr Knight's ashes.

"The club can now confirm that Mr Knight's ashes, together with his associated memorial plaque, have been located and are available for collection by the family.

"We sincerely apologise to the Knight family for the confusion, uncertainty and distress caused by the incorrect information previously provided.

“The club recognise the deeply personal and sensitive nature of this matter and are liaising directly with the family to ensure the return of Mr Knight’s ashes and memorial plaque is managed with the utmost care, dignity and respect.”