Clarke Clarence - file

Former civil sevant and horseracing writer for the Star newspaper, Clarence 'Nobby' Clarke has passed away. He died at his Harbour View home after a short illness on Friday, July 27 at age 76.

A graduate of the Milwaukee Institute of Technology in the United States where he obtained a degree in electrical engineering, Clarke worked at the Ministry of Public Utilities as a technocrat for many years.

However, his passion for horse racing led him to the Gleaner Company where he worked as a freelance racing writer for the Star in the late '60s, writing under the pseudonym, 'Nobby'.

He emerged champion tipster in 1973 and following his stint with The Star in the mid-'70s, worked with the promoting company as a handicapper alongside the late Leslie McRae. Clarke is survived by three children, other relatives and friends. Funeral service will be announced at a later date.