Vale Norman Waymouth

The Victorian racing industry is mourning the loss of former jockey and trainer Norman Waymouth, who passed away overnight at the age of 65 after a brave battle with cancer.

Waymouth, who is survived by his wife Janine and son Ricky, played a key role in the formative years of the Victorian Jockeys’ Association (VJA).     

Racing was in Waymouth’s blood from an early age, with his father Charlie a renowned trainer and his mother Dawn a part-owner of several thoroughbreds including champion two-year-old Rancher and Sequalo, both trained by her husband. 

Waymouth Jnr became an apprentice jockey at the tender age of 14 and managed to outride his metropolitan claim during his apprenticeship, which was no mean feat in those days. 

Highlights of his riding career include recording eight consecutive wins – by an aggregate of 36.5 lengths – on Rancher during his campaign as a two-year-old. The pinnacle of that winning streak was his victory as the odds-on favourite in the 1982 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m). 

For many years he was the stable jockey for Cliff Fahler, who was renowned as one of Australia’s leading trainer of two-year-olds. 

Later in his career, Waymouth joined the committee of the VJA and, together with his fellow jockeys Pat Hyland, Gary Willetts and Neville Wilson, did much to further the cause of riders in Victoria.  

After retiring from the saddle Waymouth joined the Victorian training ranks, celebrating his first winner when Summer Dream scored on her home track at Mornington in June 2011.

Racing Victoria Chief Executive, Giles Thompson, said: “On behalf of the Victorian racing industry, I would like to offer our thoughts and sincere condolences to Norman’s family and friends following the news of his passing. 

“Norman was an extremely popular member of the jockeys’ room during his career, with his quick wit and sense of fun endearing him to his fellow riders. He was a Blue Diamond-winning jockey who gave back to the sport and his peers through his work with the Victorian Jockeys Association.

“Norman dedicated much of his life to the thoroughbred racing industry here in Victoria, and his loss will be keenly felt by all who knew him throughout a career that spanned half a century.”