Steve Richards tributes flow after sudden death

Victoria’s racing community has been left in shock by the death of Group 1-winning trainer Steve Richards, a week after he had a serious fall.

Richards was rushed to hospital last Thursday after he struck his head in a fall after alighting a tram. He had been placed in a coma and sadly did not recover.

He had trained for over 40 years, tasting Group 1 glory with Ark Regal in the Futurity Stakes in 1990 and Rostova in what is now the Robert Sangster Stakes in 2010.

Based at Flemington, other star horses Richards trained included Blazing Sword, Playwright, Irazu and Lazumba. His most recent winner came with Punic War at Horsham in February,

Ten years ago, he suffered severe injuries when kicked by a horse, resulting in a ruptured spleen.

“It’s a very sombre morning out here at Flemington,” Australian Trainers’ Association president Troy Corstens told SEN Track’s Giddy Up. “He’s just a guy that will be really missed a hell of a lot.”

“I’ve known him all my life, and would see him nearly every day. He’s the sort of guy who would absolutely work his butt off and you see him walking round, he was always happy, always shooting the breeze every time you see him.”

“He was a terrific judge of a horse. He never had a particularly big team, but the team he had were always quality. It was a testament to him; he was such a good judge of a yearling.”

RV Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison, said: “Racing Victoria extends its heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire Victorian racing industry to the family and friends of Steve Richards on the news of his passing in such tragic circumstances.

“Our thoughts are also with the trainers and staff at Flemington where Steve was a very popular and hard-working member of the training ranks for many years, along with the numerous jockeys who rode for him throughout his training career.

“Steve was a highly respected trainer, especially for his ability to identify and develop young horses, and he also was someone that was willing to help others further their careers in the sport which is a great quality.”

VRC Chairman Neil Wilson passed on his condolences to the Richards family on behalf of the club. 

“Steve Richards was a highly respected trainer at Flemington across many decades, earning the admiration of his peers, his staff and all who worked alongside him,” Mr Wilson said. 

“On behalf of the Victoria Racing Club and the wider Flemington racing community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Steve’s family, his team and his friends.” 

Richards is survived by wife Maryanne and daughters Brooke and Laura.

It is the second death in the Flemington training fraternity in little over a year after Michael Moroney’s sudden passing in March 2025. It follows on from the death of Tamworth trainer Stephen Meyer after an incident at Scone races last Friday.