It is with great sadness that Racing Victoria (RV) and the Geelong Racing Club (GRC) confirms the passing of licensed trainer Frank Creamona.
Creamona, 71, passed away of natural causes this morning at Geelong Racecourse whilst attending to his horses at morning trackwork, as he loved to do each day.
He was attended to by the GRC’s first aid officer and emergency services were called but, unfortunately, he was unable to be saved. WorkSafe has been notified of his passing.
A well-respected member of the Geelong racing community and a passionate horseman, Creamona was first granted a picnic trainer’s licence in Victoria in 1986.
He was subsequently granted an owner-trainer licence and pursued a career as a hobby trainer whilst working locally with the same employer for close to 40 years.
From his stables at nearby Moolap, Creamona prepared a small team of horses and would ride them in trackwork at Geelong, as he did this morning prior to his sudden passing.
He saddled up over 500 runners during his training career, preparing winners across the state from Coleraine to Cranbourne. He sent out his final runner, Forest Lady, at Werribee last Friday.
Creamona’s most successful horses were Brave Man, Forest Man, Hurricane Rose and Sunmaker which he owned and trained to multiple victories.
RV Chief Executive, Giles Thompson, said: “On behalf of the Victorian racing industry, I would like to extend our prayers and heartfelt condolences to Frank’s family and friends following the sad news of his passing.
“Frank was the epitome of the many hard-working and passionate racing participants across the state. He loved horses and he lived for racing, in particular the passion and camaraderie that it offered.
“He pursued racing as a hobby with success as an owner and trainer across more than 30 years and his family, friends and colleagues have taken comfort today knowing that he passed away whilst pursuing his great love.
“He was a well-respected and valued member of the Victorian racing industry and I know that he will be missed by many, particularly within the Geelong racing community.”
GRC Chief Executive, Daniel Salter, said: “All within our local racing community are devastated at the loss of our friend and colleague Frank Creamona. His sudden passing is a shock to us all and one that will take time to overcome.
“On behalf of the Geelong Racing Club and our local trainers, I want to extend our sincere condolences to Frank’s family and friends. He will be sorely missed at the track each morning.”
RV and Country Racing Victoria (CRV) have been providing counselling support to the GRC and local racing community. Any licensed or registered participant seeking support can also contact the industry’s free, independent counselling service, Stableline, on 1300 520 122.