Tributes flow for Paddy Payne Snr after death at 90

Legendary Ballarat horseman Paddy Payne Snr has died aged 90, with Racing Victoria, the Australian Trainers Association, Victorian Jockeys Association and Ballarat Turf Club paying tribute to the patriarch of one of Australian racing’s most famous families.

Born and raised in Hawera, New Zealand, Payne began his racing career while working as a dairy farmer before moving to Australia with his family in the early 1980s following the sale of Our Paddy Boy to Robert Sangster for $300,000.

Payne had purchased Our Paddy Boy for $1300 in the late 1970s and prepared the horse to win the 1980 Group 1 Ellerslie Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m).

Payne and his wife Mary had 10 children, eight of whom went on to become professional jockeys, with their family establishing its home and stables at Miners Rest near Ballarat.

Their son Patrick won 19 Group 1 races, including the 2002 Cox Plate aboard Northerly, and has since enjoyed Group 1 success as a trainer, while daughter Michelle became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup when she partnered Prince Of Penzance to victory in 2015.

The Paynes story has been one of triumph and tragedy.

Mary was killed in a car accident in 1986, leaving Paddy Payne to raise their children, while his daughters Bernadette (2025) and while Brigid (2007) both died young.

Payne continued to train a small team of mostly inexpensive and tried horses for more than four decades, while he and Michelle combined to run third with Miner’s Miss in the 2018 G1 VRC Oaks 

“He passed away peacefully in his sleep, early this morning at home, he got to have his dying wish,” daughter Therese said on behalf of the Payne family.

“We feel he had a great life and we were happy he was comfortable.

“We hope he’s joined our mum and brother and sisters.”

Payne trained his final winner at Ballarat in August 2024 when Rosalia recorded her sixth victory for the trainer at the age of 88.

He saddled his final runner, Nip, at Kilmore on March 6, 2026, just 10 days before his 90th birthday.

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.”