Racing community pays tribute to successful Ballina horse trainer Bill Pholi

He won more than 700 races during his successful career, including 200 at the Ballina track, and was highly regarded in the industry.

Ballina horse trainer Bill Pholi.

The NSW horse racing community is in mourning following the death of highly respected Ballina horse trainer, William “Bill” Pholi, aged 72.

Mr Pholi grew up near Ballina before becoming a jockey and riding locally.

He soon took up training and proved to be very good at it.

According to Racing NSW, he won numerous Northern Rivers premierships during the 1980s.

“Bill also bred and owned horses, and stood a couple of stallions at one stage,” Racing NSW said in a statement.

“He won seven races with Court’s In Session before advising the owners to send the horse to Sydney where, under Guy Walter, he won a further seven races including the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill, and five other Stakes events.

“Royal Reign was another top galloper whose victories included the Listed-Tails Quality at Eagle Farm in April 2011 with Chris Munce aboard.

“The horse won six races for Pholi including two at Doomben and two at Eagle Farm.

“Booklet Boy won 10 races for the trainer with five of those at Eagle Farm and he also had success with Shuffle the Cash winning six races, and In Phuket who won five races.

“Sky Racing’s Gary Kliese was his stable jockey for many years.”

Mr Pholi won a total of 714 races, with 209 of those wins at his beloved Ballina racecourse.

He was still training last year, although in a reduced capacity.

His last winner was Dash for Van at Murwillumbah in October 2020.

Mr Pholi is survived by his wife of 50 years, Louise, and daughters Rebecca and Antoinette.

His funeral will be held at the Ballina Jockey Club on Saturday, July 31, from 11am.

Those unable to attend may wish to join with the family via live stream.