The iconic Victor Harbor Horse Tram is down one valued worker with the sad death of Clydesdale Jay Jay.

The loss was announced by the Victor Harbor Tramway on its Facebook page on 10 March

“We are absolutely devastated to share that Jay Jay was put to rest last night due to poor health. 

“He was being closely monitored by a local vet before being transferred to a specialist clinic. 

“Yesterday evening, the vet advised that euthanasia was the most appropriate option for Jay Jay. 

“Jay Jay was the gentle giant of the Horse Tram team and will be remembered for his soft and sweet nature. He was a bold, brave and sensitive soul.”

The popular tourist attraction is run by the Victor Harbor Horse Tram Authority, a subsidiary of the City of Victor Harbor.

Its team of Clydesdales carry passengers across the causeway to Granite Island, operating several services every day except Christmas day.

Last year the authority was awarded a grant from the Building Better Regions Fund to build a new stable complex and visitor centre at Canton Place, where the horses live when not working the tram.

Three new horses - Norman, Finnis and Archer – were added to the team in 2022 to enable the Victor Harbor Tramway to expand its services in 2023.