It is with great sadness that Racing Victoria (RV) and the Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA) acknowledge the passing of 47-year-old former jockey Nathan Stanley.
Nathan, son of jockey Jim Stanley, started as an apprentice in New South Wales in 1992, with his maiden victory coming aboard Dunowen at his home track Queanbeyan at just 16 years old.
Throughout his career which spanned over 23 years in the saddle, Nathan rode winners in every state of Australia and abroad.
Most notably, he won the 2008 Darwin Cup aboard Club Liquid, multiple country cups Australia wide, premierships in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, along with successful stints in Malaysia and Korea.
Reflecting on his career, Nathan’s proudest achievements were riding alongside his dad Jim and brother Brent. However, his personal career highlight was riding and winning on Brent’s first runner as a trainer, Gypsy’s Best at Kyneton.
RV Chief Executive, Andrew Jones, said: "On behalf of Racing Victoria and the entire Victorian racing community, we extend heartfelt condolences to Nathan’s family and friends on the awful news of his passing.
“The Stanleys are a loved racing family with Nathan enjoying a long career in the saddle and his passing will be felt by many within our industry.”
VJA Chief Executive, Matt Hyland, said: “We are incredibly sorry to hear of Nathan’s passing and he will be sorely missed by many people in racing.
“On behalf of the entire Victorian jockey group we extend our deepest sympathies to Nathan’s family, in particular his daughter Kiana and his brothers Brent and Joel who we are thinking of in this particularly sad time.”
Members of the racing industry are encouraged to utilise the free, confidential counselling service STABLELINE on 1300 520 122 or the Jockey Assistance Program via Lisa Stevens (0413 616 152) if they are in need of support.