Legendary horseman Paddy Payne Sr dies aged 90

The Australian racing community is mourning the loss of one of its most respected figures, Paddy Payne Sr, who has passed away at the age of 90. The patriarch of the legendary Payne racing dynasty, Paddy was a monumental figure in Victorian turf history, best known for his stoic leadership and for raising a family of ten children who would go on to dominate the sport of kings across the nation.

From his base at Miners Rest near Ballarat, Payne forged a reputation as a master horseman of the old school, balancing the rigours of the stable with the demands of a large family following the tragic loss of his wife, Rose, in 1984. His legacy is most visibly carried by his children, including the trailblazing Michelle Payne—the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup—and champion jockey turned trainer Patrick Payne, all of whom credit their father’s quiet discipline for their professional success.

“Paddy Payne Sr did not merely train thoroughbreds; he cultivated a lineage of grit and excellence that fundamentally reshaped the landscape of the Australian turf.”

Tributes have poured in from across the industry, describing Payne as a man of immense character and few words, whose influence on the sport was as profound as it was understated. His passing marks the end of an era for Australian racing, yet his name remains synonymous with the courage and dedication that define the industry. He is survived by his children and a sporting community that will forever regard him as a cornerstone of the game.