Classic-winning New South Wales trainer Bede Murray has died from cancer at the age of 80.
A former dairy farmer who trained from Kembla Grange, Murray celebrated his final victory on Jan. 18 when O'Reilly's Revenge (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}) won the Moruya Cup.
During the course of his 53-year training career, Murray enjoyed big-race success with the G1 AJC Derby and G1 Canterbury Guineas winner Universal Prince (Aus) (Scenic {Ire}), top-class juvenile filly Victory Vein (Aus) (Mr Henrysee), who beat Choisir (Aus) in the G1 Sires' Produce S. and went on to win the G1 Champagne S., as well as G1 New Zealand Derby winner Coniston Bluebird (Aus) (Scenic {Ire}). Darci Be Good (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) provided the trainer with his final win at group level when winning the 2012 G3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup.
Paying tribute to the popular veteran, Racing NSW Chief Executive Peter V'landys commented, “I have always regarded Bede as a champion trainer and one of the measures of any champion is longevity.”
He added, “Bede gave much to our industry in his 53 years as a horse trainer and for that we are forever grateful. Only 12 months back we were lauding his victory with Sure And Fast in the inaugural Provincial Championships at Royal Randwick.”
Racing NSW has renamed a race at Kembla Grange this Friday the 'Bede Murray Provincial Championships Qualifier' in his honour.
Murray is survived by his wife Edie and sons Paul, who is also a trainer, and Graeme.
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