It is with great sadness that Racing Victoria acknowledges the passing of Barry D Burke, aged 85, following a battle with illness.
Barry trained over 250 winners during his career which began in 1970 when he secured his trainer’s licence which he held continuously until 2014.
Highlights of Barry’s training career include winning the Group 2 Chirnside Stakes in 1985 with Lake Worth and the Group 3 Ellis Stakes on Caulfield Cup Day in 1995 with his favourite horse, Royal Blue.
Royal Blue won 13 races throughout his career which included a maiden at Sale on debut in 1993 before going on to secure ten metropolitan victories.
Other notable Burke trained horses include the stayer Fight, and top filly-mare Ramano’s Girl, who won five metropolitan races including a Group 3 at Flemington on Turnbull Stakes Day in 2000 and a third place in the 2002 Empire Rose.
RV Chief Executive, Giles Thompson, said: “On behalf of the Victorian racing industry, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Barry’s family and friends following the sad news of his passing.
“Barry was a popular member of the Cranbourne training community where his daughter Nikki carries on the family name as a licensed trainer.
“We know Barry will be deeply missed by his family and all in racing who knew him over a career that spanned more than 40 years as a trainer in Victoria.”