Ballarat racing patriarch Paddy Payne honoured at funeral
Racing figure Paddy Payne died aged 90. Family and industry figures honored him for his fairness and work ethic.
Payne moved to Ballarat from New Zealand in the early 1980s to train racehorses. Payne raised 10 children alone in Miners Rest after his wife Mary died in a car accident in 1986.
Eight of his children became professional jockeys, establishing one of Australia's racing dynasties. Patrick told mourners at St Patrick's Cathedral that his father was a very good leveller.
He would put others back in place if they got cocky or out of line. His daughter Cathy spoke of his fairness: he treated everyone equally, regardless of status.
Youngest child Michelle recalled his remarkable instinct with horses. He bought two young horses for $5,000 and $10,000 that later won large prize money.
- 90
- Age at death
- 10
- Children raised alone
- 8
- Children who became jockeys
- 1986, car accident
- Wife's death
Why it mattersPayne's life shows the personal sacrifice and discipline that built one of Australia's significant racing families. This happened across generations.
AustraliaThe Payne family has left a lasting mark on Australian horse racing, with eight children carving successful jockey careers.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 7 d ago
