Vale Paddy Payne Snr

It is with great sadness that Racing Victoria (RV), the Australian Trainers Association (ATA), the Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA) and Ballarat Turf Club (BTC) acknowledge the passing of legendary Ballarat horseman, Paddy Payne Snr, aged 90.

Paddy was the patriarch of the Payne family as they established themselves as one of the most famous surnames in Australian racing.

Paddy and his wife, the late Mary Payne, bore 10 children together who followed in their father’s footsteps and made an impact on the sport of thoroughbred racing.

Paddy was born and raised in the small town of Hawera in South Taranaki, New Zealand, where his humble beginnings would influence his philosophy for purchasing and preparing racehorses.

Paddy would secure arguably the most important horse of his lifetime when purchasing Our Paddy Boy for the modest sum of $1,300 in the late 1970’s, who he prepared while straddling dual roles as a dairy farmer and racehorse trainer.

Our Paddy Boy was broken in on the family dairy farm by Payne before achieving significant early success including winning the 1980 Group 1 Ellerslie Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m).

The Paynes eventually sold Our Paddy Boy to Robert Sangster for what was at the time an extraordinary sum of $300,000, the funds providing the catalyst for the family’s move to Australia in the early 1980’s and the establishment of their home and stables at Miners Rest near Ballarat.

While in Australia, Paddy continued to train horses on a relatively small scale, earning respect through the success of his modest team comprising mostly inexpensive and tried horses.

Mary tragically lost her life in a car accident in 1986 which left Paddy to raise their children, eight of whom would go on to ride as professional jockeys.

Their son Patrick has forged a highly successful career and boasts Group 1 success as both a jockey, including winning the 2002 Cox Plate (2040m) with Northerly, and more recently as a trainer.

Trailblazing daughter Michelle enjoyed multiple Group 1 triumphs in the saddle, none more famous than the 2015 Melbourne Cup (3200m) aboard Prince of Penzance when she became the first female jockey in history to win the race that stops a nation.

Paddy continued to live at the family’s Miners Rest home until his passing and saddled his final runner, Nip, on 6 March 2026 at Kilmore, remarkably just 10 days shy of his 90th birthday.

He trained his last winner at the age of 88 when Rosalia posted her sixth win for Paddy, saluting on her home track at Ballarat in August 2024.

RV Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison, said: “On behalf of Racing Victoria and the entire Victorian thoroughbred racing industry, I’d like to express my condolences to all of the Paynes and their wider families on the passing of Paddy Payne Snr. 

“Paddy was the doyen of a family that has greatly enriched Australian racing and provided us with so many great memories. Whilst Paddy has passed, his contribution to the sport will not be forgotten and his legacy will live on. 

“Paddy will be remembered 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. 

“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.”

ATA Chief Executive, Stephen Bell, said: “The Australian Trainers Association committee and members extends it condolences to the family and friends of Paddy Payne Snr on the news of his passing.

“Paddy was a respected horseman who held a trainer’s license in Victoria for over 40 years after initially enjoying success in New Zealand. He was a hard worker who loved working with horses.

“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.”

VJA Chief Executive, Matt Hyland, said: “The members of the Victorian Jockeys Association offer their condolences to the Payne family on the news of Paddy Payne Snr’s passing.

“Eight of Paddy’s children have ridden as professional jockeys for which he leaves behind an incredible legacy including his support of his daughter’s careers and that of other female jockeys.

“Victoria’s riding ranks are richer for the contributions of the Payne family and for that we must say thank you to Paddy.”

BTC Chairman, Bill Gribble, said: “The Ballarat Turf Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Paddy Payne Snr, a highly respected figure whose contribution to racing extended well beyond the racetrack.

“Paddy was the patriarch one of Australian racing’s most remarkable families, and his influence, horsemanship and dedication to the industry will leave a lasting legacy.

“The Payne family has a long and proud connection with racing in Ballarat, and Paddy was held in enormous regard by so many within our local racing community.

“On behalf of the Ballarat Turf Club Committee, staff and members, we extend our sincere condolences to the entire Payne family, Paddy’s friends and all those within the racing industry who had the privilege of knowing him.”