Racing world mourns sudden death of ‘legendary' trainer Robbie Laing
Tributes poured in on Sunday after it emerged Laing had died in his sleep overnight.
The veteran, aged in his 60s, had fought back from bankruptcy and a ban to return to top competition in recent years.
'Thoughts to the extensive family and many friends of legendary horseman Robbie Laing on hearing his sudden passing,' journalist Bruce Clarke wrote.
Laing's El Soleado, ridden by Sheridan Clarke and carrying 64.5kg, finished second in the last race at Flemington on Saturday.
The horse was a winner at Bendigo in April last year — a spirit-boosting win for Laing, who watched from hospital with a leg injury — and has recently bounced back from throat surgery.
Laing famously trained Roman Arch, ridden by Craig Newitt, to an upset win in the 2006 Australian Cup at Flemington.
Seven years later Hugh Bowman rode Laing's $4000 yearlings purchase Polanski to victory in the 2013 Victoria Derby.
'My life in racing's been fantastic,' Laing said in a Channel 7 feature in early 2024.
'It's had its highs and lows. I don't like failure. Generally whatever I set myself to do, I've done it.
'As a kid I wanted to win the league's best and fairest and I did that. I wanted to be captain of the footy team and I did that.
'I became apprentice in 1974 at the age of 15. I think I rode OK but I got heavy very quick. At the age of 23 I trained my first Group 1 winner Perfect Bliss.
'The Group 1s for me are extra special.'
Former jockey turned trainer Gavin Bedggood described Laing as 'far from conventional but 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 wrote.
Samuel Hyland said: 'Very sorry to hear of the passing of Robbie Laing, always loved riding for Laing. His horses were always tough and fit, he was a great character, an outstanding horseman as well as trainer, thoughts are with Eddie and Sylvia Laing and the Laing Family.'
Bryan Martin said: 'The saddest news with the passing overnight of Robbie Laing. Outstanding horseman and always good fun to be around. Amazing mind on pedigrees. Rob could train, young ones, top liners and the jumpers. Very sadly missed Robbie Laing. Prayers with his extended family.'
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