Tributes flow as Australian bloodstock giant Bob Ingham passes away aged 88

Racing industry luminaries have paid tribute to thoroughbred racing and breeding giant Bob Ingham, who along with his late brother Jack created the Woodlands empire, after he died on Tuesday aged 88.

Best-known for the on-track feats with turf greats such as Octagonal (Sir Tristram) and his champion son Lonhro, Ingham and his brother Jack were dubbed the “chicken kings” after inheriting their father Walter’s business in 1953.

The poultry business enabled the brothers to indulge in their passion for racing, which led to them establishing Woodlands Stud and a four-state racing division including Crown Lodge at Warwick Farm which was at one time overseen by trainer Vic Thompson, John Hawkes and later Peter Snowden.

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia president Basil Nolan said: “Bob was a great man in so many ways, he loved his racing and you couldn’t want a better person to do business with. He and Jack were pioneers and they have left a huge legacy."

Coolmore’s Tom Magnier described Ingham as “an iconic figure and a man I respected enormously for his commitment and game-changing contribution to the Australian bloodstock industry”.

“The friendship and business association of the Ingham and Magnier families are both strong and enduring,” Magnier said.

When Australian Racing Hall Of Fame inductee Ingham, whose brother Jack died in 2003, sold Woodlands to Darley in 2008, it was Chris Waller who became his chosen trainer.

For the past 12 years Waller had forged a close relationship with Ingham, who maintained the cerise colours when sending horses to the Rosehill trainer.

“I will certainly miss Mr Ingham’s support and the guidance he has shown me through the years,” Waller said.

“On the racetrack, whether it be a good day or a bad day, he was always the same man and I am grateful for this.

“Mr Ingham had a very simple request as an owner. He just wanted a simple report of all the horses in work, spelling and pre-training, every Monday at 9am. It all fit on an A4 page.”

Prominent owner Lloyd Williams told Racing.com: "A great friend, a great man. He made an outstanding contribution to society and Australian business and an amazing contribution to the racing industry. The backbone of racing.

"Very, very sad at Bob's passing. I feel very fortunate and privileged to have been a friend of Bob Ingham."

The Bob Ingham-owned Octagonal (near) wins the 1995 Cox Plate at Moonee ValleyCredit: Sean Garnsworthy (Getty Images)

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys was also among the chorus of people praising Ingham for his contribution to racing.

"Bob Ingham, along with his brother Jack, created one of the largest thoroughbred racing and breeding empires ever seen in Australia," V'landys said.

"I'm personally very saddened by the passing of Bob – when I first entered the industry, he was of great assistance to me and provided much learning and information.

"Bob was a very kind man who had presence and a great personality. The industry is so much the poorer for the loss of one of our legends.

"Bob was also well known for his philanthropy, with his daughter Debbie Kepitis carrying on the racing tradition as a part-owner of the great Winx."

Ingham's legacy includes the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, an independent centre for health and medical research he established at Liverpool in 2012.

He is survived by his children Lyn, Debbie, Robby, John and their families.

His funeral service will be by invitation only due to Covid-19 restrictions and in lieu of flowers, the family has requested any donations be made to the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research.

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