The Australian racing community is in mourning following the passing of the esteemed Ballarat horseman Paddy Payne Snr, who died at the age of 90. He was the patriarch of one of the sport’s most renowned families.
Payne and his late wife, Mary, were parents to ten children, many of whom embarked on successful careers in racing, with eight becoming professional jockeys, solidifying the Payne name as a prominent one in Australian racing history.
Among them is his son Patrick, who has built an impressive career, achieving Group 1 success as both a jockey, including his 2002 Cox Plate victory on the champion Northerly, and more recently as a respected trainer.
The trainer’s daughter, Michelle, also achieved multiple Group 1 wins, famously becoming the first female jockey to win the prestigious Melbourne Cup in 2015 aboard Prince Of Penzance.
Originally from New Zealand, Payne worked as a dairy farmer and trainer in the late 1970s. He acquired the promising racehorse Our Paddy Boy for a mere $1300 as a yearling.
Our Paddy Boy went on to win the 1980 Group 1 Ellerslie Sires before Payne sold the horse to Robert Sangster for $300,000, a significant sum for the era. This financial success enabled the Payne family to relocate to Ballarat and establish their training operations.
Tragically, Mary Payne lost her life in a car accident in 1986, leaving Paddy to raise their ten children alone. The family faced further sorrow last year with the passing of their daughter Bernadette, aged 51, and previously mourned the loss of another daughter, Brigid, who died in 2007 from a heart attack at the age of 36.
Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison commented on Payne’s significant impact, stating that he was the “doyen of a family that has greatly enriched Australian racing and provided us with so many great memories.”
Morrison added, “Whilst Paddy has passed, his contribution to the sport will not be forgotten and his legacy will live on.” He further described Payne 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 by saying, “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 acknowledged Payne’s respected status as a horseman, noting that he held a trainer’s licence in Victoria for over four decades. Bell stated, “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 recognised Payne as a “highly respected figure whose contribution to racing extended well beyond the racetrack.” Gribble elaborated, “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 his training career until earlier this year, with his final runner, Nip, appearing at Kilmore in March. He celebrated his last training success at the age of 88 when Rosalia won at Ballarat two years ago in August.
Payne Snr is survived by his children Therese, Maree, Cathy, Margaret, Patrick, Andrew, Stevie and Michelle, along with his wider family and grandchildren.
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