03/09/2026
VALE SAMMY BARLETTA | 1931–2026
The Darling Downs Harness Racing Club extends its sincere condolences to the Barletta family following the passing of Sammy Barletta, aged 94.
Born in Italy on 7 November 1931, Sammy was a hardworking and clever businessman, a wonderful character and a pioneer whose contribution to the broadcasting of racing in Queensland leaves an enduring legacy.
Sammy and his wife Cely established Panasonic Studio Productions in the early 80’s, and among the company’s earliest racing work was filming the non-TAB Toowoomba harness racing meetings conducted by our club from around 1983.
From those early days came an important chapter in Queensland harness racing history.
Sammy was responsible for providing the broadcast link from Clifford Park, Toowoomba, for the first Queensland harness race meeting ever televised on Sky Racing.
It was pioneering work at a time when the technology and infrastructure we now take for granted simply didn’t exist, and it marked the beginning of a remarkable association between the Barletta family and Queensland racing.
Sammy and Cely’s business continued to grow, also covering thoroughbred racing in Toowoomba and ultimately developing into today’s PSP. Now operated by their children, Tony and Samantha, PSP remains an integral part of Queensland racing, providing the broadcast link from race meetings across all three codes to Sky Racing and audiences throughout Australia and internationally.
It is a remarkable legacy – and one with its roots firmly planted in harness racing here on the Darling Downs.
Those fortunate enough to know Sammy, however, will remember much more than his achievements in business.
Sammy had a wonderful sense of humour and a special ability to talk to anyone. He could make people laugh, make them feel welcome and make you genuinely happy to be in his company. He was one of those wonderful racing characters whose presence was always enjoyed.
Sammy passed away in hospital following a battle with health issues. He is survived by his wonderful wife Cely, their children Tony and Samantha, and their families.
The DDHRC acknowledges Sammy’s remarkable contribution to our club, harness racing and the wider Queensland racing industry, and extends our deepest sympathies to Cely, Tony, Samantha and the entire Barletta family.
Vale Sammy Barletta.
📷: Sammy is pictured second from the left (in picture one) with his family and connections of a pacer following its victory in a race sponsored by the Barletta family at Clifford Park. Also pictured are the late Nola Wagland and Lawson Cockburn, both former Presidents of the Darling Downs Harness Racing Club.
From the non-TAB trots at Clifford Park to helping take Queensland harness racing onto Sky Racing, he leaves behind a wonderful family and an extraordinary racing legacy.
