Vale revered Hunter Valley trainer Pat Farrell

Legendary Muswellbrook-based trainer Pat Farrell has died at the age of 83.

Farrell, who won eight straight Newcastle premierships and trained Golden Slipper runner-up Food For Love, prepared close to 1000 winners.

Among his stakes winners were Alart, Lucky Night, Bulletproof Billy, Stormcat Academy, Victory Yacht and Proud Knight.

Farrell’s final runner as a trainer was in September 2024, and his last winner was Pee Dee at Taree in April 2024.

“Pat was a wonderful judge of a horse; I remember watching him position himself at the end of the sale ring entrance at the old White Park Scone sale ring,” Michael Beattie, chief executive of the Clarence River Jockey Club, wrote.

“He would inspect every yearling as it walked directly towards him then scan them closely as they stood waiting to enter the sale ring.”

“I’m honoured to call Pat Farrell a friend, and the things he did for racing people quietly in the background to help when they were in need would count well into the hundreds.”

Beyond his remarkable record on the track, Farrell was equally admired for his ability to nurture talent in the saddle.

Those who honed their craft under his guidance were Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Wayne Harris, Darryl McLellan, Neil Rae, Paul Sylvester, and Danny Duggan.