Oakbank racing stalwart farewelled and Morphettville Racecourse

Friends, family and the wider racing community gathered at Morphettville Racecourse to farewell a loving mother, wife, friend and South Australian racing figure.

Ms Price was farewelled at a ceremony at Morphettville Racecourse on Thursday.

The South Australian racing community gathered on Thursday at Morphettville Racecourse to celebrate the life of racing figure Belinda Kaye Price.

The 48-year-old mother of three died on May 21 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

In an emotional service, led by her brother-in-law Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, Ms Price was remembered by friends, family and the wider community as a “special person”, “inspiration” and a “loving valuable friend”.

Ms Price was married to South Australian veteran jockey Simon Price and was the much-loved mother of jockeys Will and Ben Price, and her daughter Abby.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens speaks during the funeral for Belinda Price at Morphettville Race course. Picture Mark Brake

The ceremony opened with Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide and was followed by an emotional eulogy read by Mr Stevens.

The room was respectfully decorated by daughter and florist Abby who prepared a collection of white flowers and green foliage for the service.

Ms Price, born on June 14, 1974, in Geelong, moved to Oakbank in 1982 with her family who at the time owned the local Hotel.

Ben and Will Price and their father Simon Price lead the pall bearers. Picture Mark Brake

The Seymour College student met her husband at the Oakbank Racecourse and later moved overseas with him while he followed his dreams of becoming a jockey in countries such as Singapore.

After moving back to Adelaide and getting married, Ms Price devoted her life to her three children, before later pursuing a career in the airline industry.

“She was immensely proud of her children,” Mr Stevens said.

Ms Price’s sons and jockeys Ben and Will Price. Picture: Tom Huntley

Mr Stevens spoke on behalf of her three children who said how much they loved their mum and that “they are the people they are today because of their mum”.

Ms Price later worked for Cathay Pacific, Emirates and finally Jetstar.

The eulogy finished by outlining Ms Price’s last days surrounded by friends and family at a hospice in the Flinders Medical Centre.

Mr Stevens said there were “lots of laughs” and beers and champagne while friends and family soaked up their last moments with Ms Price.

Belinda with husband Simon and daughter Abby. Picture: File

Mr Stevens said Ms Price remained an inspiration until the end despite pancreatic cancer being a “savage disease”.

Ms Price’s mother Laurel also took to the stage to remember her daughter.

“Belinda will always be in our hearts,” she said.

“She was the centre of our worlds.

“You fought a battle you couldn’t win but you fought it with guts and determination.”

Terry McAuliffe, friend and host of South Australian racing on Racing.com, thanked Belinda for being a “loving and valuable friend”.

“We will miss you so much,” he said.