Robbie Laing passes suddenly

The Australian racing industry has been saddened by the sudden death of Group 1 trainer Robbie Laing, aged 66.

Robbie Laing earlier this year after training a winner at Mornington. Photo: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images.

The Australian racing industry has been saddened by the sudden death of Group 1 trainer Robbie Laing, aged 66.

Laing, a five-time Group 1-winner including Victoria Derby and Australian Cup triumphs, died in his sleep overnight Sunday.

Laing was at Flemington last Saturday and saddled up El Soleado which finished second.

The Cranbourne-based trainer prepared more than 1000 winners during his career including the 2013 Victoria Derby winner Polanski.

Laing, a natural horseman, also saddled a swag of feature jumps winners including champion gallopers Mazzacano and Sir Pentire.

Laing returned to Victorian training ranks two years ago after a forced hiatus due to financial hardships and enjoyed solid success with a small team.

Australian Trainers’ Association president Robbie Griffiths paid tribute to Laing.

“He was an outstanding trainer who always thought outside the square, producing some incredible feats including winning the Grand Annual over 5500 metres first-up from a spell with Sir Pentire,” Griffiths said.

Robbie Laing with Sir Pentire (left) and Mazzacano.

“Robbie would win the first two-year-old race of the season and everything in between.

“He mastered beach training long before the modern trend, and had an incredible eye for value purchasing VRC Derby winner Polanski for only $4000.

“He was a great historian with unbelievable passion for his roots and his love for the Epsom training centre, where he began his training career.

“An exceptional footballer, champion trainer and pedigree guru all rolled into a colourful and resilient character who was never short of a story to tell. “Robbie will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.”

Polanski winning the Victoria Derby. Picture: Colleen Petch.

Fellow Cranbourne trainer Gavin Bedggood, who rode Mazzacano and Vindicating to feature jumps victories for Laing, paid tribute to his former mentor.

“RIP Robbie Laing,” Bedggood posted on X.

“Far from conventional but a man who was very good to me. Gave me my 1st horse as a trainer (and) many winners as a rider & plenty of advice over the years.

“Was never given the credit he deserved as a trainer (and) always had a good 2yr old, handicapper & jumper. Rest easy.”

Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison said Laing’s loss would be felt industry-wide.

“Robbie was an astute horseman who was widely respected for his training craft in particular his ability with stayers and jumpers, often turning cheap purchases into feature race winners,” Morrison said.

“Working with horses was indeed Robbie’s life and he enjoyed notable success over many decades… Robbie’s sudden passing will be felt by many in our industry, in particular those who have worked and ridden for Robbie and owned horses that he’s trained.”

Laing is survived by eight children including sons Jack and Aaron, who have both followed their father into Victoria’s training ranks.

Originally published as Robbie Laing passes suddenly