Racing community pays tributes to Belinda Price ahead of funeral services on Thursday

SA’s racing industry is mourning Belinda Price after she succumbed to a two-year health battle. Today, loved ones will say their final goodbye at Morphettville Racecourse.

Mourners of prominent SA racing figure Belinda Price have paid heartwarming tributes ahead of a funeral service on Thursday at Morphettville Racecourse.

The 48-year-old tragically died on Sunday, May 21, after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Loved ones will bid a final farewell to Ms Price, at a celebration of life service held at the Morphettville Racecourse at 2pm on Thursday.

Ms Price was part of SA racing community fraternity, who was married to South Australian veteran jockey Simon Price and the mother of jockeys Ben and Will Price.

She is survived by her three children, Will and Ben, and her daughter Abby.

In his first race after his mother passed at Murray Bridge on Sunday, Ben Price said his close friends and Micheal Hickmott have been a pillar of support.

Tribute for Belinda Price by Oakbank Racing Club. Picture/Facebook: Oakbank Racing Club

Jockey Simon Price with wife Belinda and baby daughter Abby Louise. Picture: File

“It’s been a pretty tough time for the family during the week, but I have to thank a lot of my close mates,” Mr Price said.

“They’ve been with me the whole way and just made it a lot easier.”

“Micheal (Hickmott) filled (him) with a lot of confidence before the race,” Mr Price said.

In statement on Racenet, Racing SA said Ms Price’s passing was devastating and their “hearts go out to all of Belinda’s family and friends at this time”.

A statement from the Oakbank Racing Club said she was a “popular and much loved identity in racing,” and members were sending their thoughts to Ms Price’s family.

“The executive, staff and members of the Oakbank Racing Club are saddened to hear of the passing Belinda Price, after a very brave and courageous health battle.”

“Also, being a local Oakbank girl in her younger years meant she has many friends in our region,” they said in the statement.

Belinda Price at Cheltenham Race Course.

The Australian Jockeys’ Association gave their “deepest condolences to the Price family in Adelaide for the dreadful loss of their mother Belinda.”

They remembered Ms Price as a “very special lady that will be sadly missed,” and said she is “an angel in heaven,” who is now at peace.

In another tribute on social media, good friend and host of South Australian racing on Racing.com, Terry McAuliffe, said Ms Price’s passing will “leave a massive hole in so many lives.”

Brothers and jockeys Ben and Will Price at Morphettville in 2022. Picture: Tom Huntley

Belinda Price with her son, jockey Ben Price. Picture: Supplied

Ms Price had previously spoken about her cancer diagnosis with daughter Abby, in a tearful and heartwarming interview with Racing.com two years ago.

She applauded her children for their strength and resilience, and spoke about her biggest fear post-diagnosis.

“I think not being there for them when they’re older is probably my biggest fear. I know though that these kids are going to be okay,” Belinda said.

“We’re lucky (for the) support and we’re going to get through it. It’s going to be tough and really difficult days.

“But knowing the people that (are) around my family, that I know will support them. that will okay and that will get me through.”

“I know how incredibly strong they are, and they’re amazing, incredible children. Simon and I have done very well,” Belinda said.

“It couldn’t be anyone else that could do it as well as her. She’s tough for us, so we’ve got to be tough for her. What a woman,” Abby said.