Queensland racing mourns the death of horse trainer Pat Duff

From a little-known town in country Queensland, Pat Duff rose to become one of the Sunshine State’s greatest trainers. Now the racing community is mourning the death of a ‘true gentleman’ whose influence will never be forgotten.

The Queensland racing community is mourning the death of Toowoomba trainer Pat Duff.

The Darling Downs and Queensland racing communities are mourning the death of trainer Pat Duff.

The 84-year-old, who died on Saturday night, was considered a true gentleman of the industry and amassed a resume of achievements the envy of trainers Australia wide.

After growing up in Wondai, Duff went on to train horses at Toowoomba, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

His last race win was just three weeks ago with Optimus Maximus saluting at Ipswich.

“The family is overwhelmed by the love shown to Dad,” Pat’s son Michael Duff told Queensland Racing.

“He loved horses, he loved the industry, but most all he loved the people in it.

“He was a man of great integrity who did a job he loved for 60 years.

“We are proud of the positive impact he had on so many people’s lives and the industry. Our thanks to everyone who has reached out it is appreciated.”

Duff enjoyed great success in Queensland feature races winning a Magic Millions Trophy, a Weetwood Handicap, BTC Sprint and PJ O’Shea Stakes (now the Q22) as well as multiple Toowoomba and Prime Minister’s Cups.

The Queensland racing community is mourning the death of Toowoomba trainer Pat Duff.

He also won interstate with Star Of Florida winning an AJC San Domenico Stakes and he also won a pair of AJC Challenge Stakes.

Duff won three Toowoomba trainers’ premierships and finished second in the 1990/91 metropolitan trainers’ premiership behind Bruce McLachlan.

“Pat’s influence on and off track over the last 60-odd years has been simply remarkable,” Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said.

“His ability to train horses was there for all to see, but he also had a great skill in developing people.

“He will be sorely missed.”

His influence on the industry will never be forgotten with the Queensland branch of the Au Australian Trainers’ Association introducing the Pat Duff Trophy to recognise those who go above and beyond to assist their colleagues in the racing industry a number of years ago.

“He was a legend,” ATA Queensland representative Cameron Partington said.

“Just the respect people held for him with the way he conducted himself.

“That’s why we honoured him with the award that we put in place with the Pat Duff Trophy.

“He was as sharp as a tack right to the end, but his body just couldn’t fight anymore (after a recent fall).”

The Queensland Hall of Fame member was also well known for his support of female and apprentice jockeys.