The Australian racing community is deeply saddened by the passing of the renowned Ballarat horseman Paddy Payne Snr, aged 90. He was the esteemed patriarch of one of the sport’s most celebrated families.

Paddy and his late wife, Mary, raised ten children, many of whom became prominent figures in the racing world, with eight pursuing careers as professional jockeys, making the Payne name a significant fixture in Australian racing.

Among them is his son Patrick, who has established a highly successful career, achieving Group 1 success as a jockey, including the 2002 Cox Plate on the champion Northerly, and more recently, as a trainer.

Patrick’s daughter, Michelle, also achieved multiple Group 1 victories, notably becoming the first female jockey to win the iconic Melbourne Cup in 2015 aboard Prince Of Penzance, a historic moment at Flemington.

Originally from New Zealand, Payne was a dairy farmer and racehorse trainer in the late 1970s. He acquired the promising yearling Our Paddy Boy for a mere $1300.

Our Paddy Boy claimed the 1980 Group 1 Ellerslie Sires before Payne sold the horse to Robert Sangster for $300,000, a considerable sum at the time. This transaction enabled the Payne family to relocate to Ballarat and set up their training base.

Tragedy struck the family when Mary Payne lost her life in a car accident in 1986, leaving Paddy to raise his ten children. The family also mourned the passing of daughter Bernadette, 51, last year, and daughter Brigid, who died in 2007 from a heart attack at 36.

Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison remarked that Paddy Payne was the “doyen of a family that has greatly enriched Australian racing and provided us with so many great memories.”

Morrison continued, “Whilst Paddy has passed, his contribution to the sport will not be forgotten and his legacy will live on.” He added, “Paddy will be remembered as a great horseman and a loving father. His positive influence on female jockey participation cannot be undersold, having encouraged his daughters to ride at a time when female jockeys were fighting for acceptance.” Morrison concluded, “He took great pride in the achievements of his children, along with their partners, and can rest peacefully in the knowledge that he has left the world a better place for his existence.”

Australian Trainers Association chief executive Stephen Bell stated that Payne was a respected horseman who held a trainer’s licence in Victoria for over 40 years. Bell commented, “His role in nurturing a family that has contributed so much to racing is legendary and something that we all respect and are thankful for.”

Ballarat Turf Club chairman Bill Gribble described Payne as a “highly respected figure whose contribution to racing extended well beyond the racetrack.” Gribble added, “Paddy was the patriarch of one of Australian racing’s most remarkable families, and his influence, horsemanship and dedication to the industry will leave a lasting legacy.”

Payne continued to train until earlier this year, with his final runner, Nip, competing at Kilmore in March. He trained his last winner at the age of 88 when Rosalia scored at Ballarat in August two years ago.

Payne Snr is survived by his children Therese, Maree, Cathy, Margaret, Patrick, Andrew, Stevie and Michelle, along with his extended family including grandchildren.

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