The racing community has been rocked by the sudden death of Group 1-winning trainer Robbie Laing, who passed away in his sleep overnight.
Laing, 67, won four Group 1’s and notched up a total of 930 winners throughout his legendary training career.
He trained Roman Arch to an upset victory in the Australian Cup at Flemington in 2006.
Seven years later, Laing’s powerful Polanski claimed victory in the 2013 Victoria Derby.
In recent years, the horseman had come back from bankruptcy to return to the top ranks of racing.
Tributes have flowed in from racing personalities following the tragic news.
The racing community has been rocked by the sudden death of trainer Robbie Laing
The legendary 67-year-old horseman passed away in his sleep on Saturday night
‘Thoughts to the extensive family and many friends of legendary horseman Robbie Laing on hearing his sudden passing,’ wrote journalist Bruce Clark.
RIP Robbie Laing – a great horseman and such a likeable bloke,’ posted Peter Angus.
‘Often I would tell Robbie Laing he should write a book. Highly entertaining, great storyteller, incredible knowledge and not afraid to be different,’ posted presenter Ben Sporle.
Ex-jockey and trainer Gavin Bedggood remembered the trainer as ‘a man who was very good to me’.
‘Gave me my first horse as a trainer, many winners as a rider and plenty of advice over the years. Was never given the credit he deserved as a trainer — always had a good two-year-old, handicapper and jumper. Rest easy,’ he posted to X.
More to come.
