Trainer Laing, Bloodstock Agent Wallace Die

Five-time group 1-winning trainer Robbie Laing has died at the age of 66, passing in his sleep overnight June 7. Laing was at Flemington saddling up what was to be his final runner El Soleado (AUS)—who ran second in a Benchmark 84—just hours earlier. Across a career spanning more than 50 years in the Victorian racing industry, Laing trained over 1,100 winners, including over 50 in stakes company. His final winner was Factcheck at the Warrnambool May racing carnival in April. Racing Victoria's chief executive officer Aaron Morrison said in a statement: "On behalf of everyone at Racing Victoria and the wider Victorian racing industry, I would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Robbie's family and friends on the shock news of his passing. "Working with horses was indeed Robbie's life and he enjoyed notable success over many decades, with arguably his biggest win coming in the 2013 Victoria Derby at Flemington with Polanski. "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. Our thoughts are also with them at this sad time. "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." Australian Trainers Association president Robbie Griffiths also paid tribute, saying: "Robbie was an outstanding trainer who always thought outside the square, producing some incredible feats, including winning the Grand Annual over 5,500 meters first-up from a spell with Sir Pentire. "Robbie would win the first 2-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 2013 VRC Derby (G1) winner Polanski for only $4,000. "He was a great historian with unbelievable passion for his roots and his love for the Epsom training center, where he began his training career. An exceptional footballer, champion trainer and pedigree guru all rolled into a colorful and resilient character who was never short of a story to tell." Laing had his first group 1 winner with Perfect Bliss in the 1983 Thousand Guineas (G1) at Caulfield, while he would go on to have Pantani land the Adelaide Cup (G1) and South Australian Derby (G1), Roman Arch score in the 2006 Australian Cup (G1), and in 2013 he trained US$4,188 purchase Polanski (AUS) to win the Victoria Derby. Laing is survived by eight children, including sons Jack and Aaron, who have both followed their father into Victoria's training ranks. Mick Wallace Dies Highly respected bloodstock agent and racing executive Michael Wallace has died, Ardsley Stud confirmed via social media June 8. Originally from New Zealand, Wallace rose to chief operating officer of the China Horse Club, which achieved 44 group/grade 1 wins during his tenure. Wallace played a pivotal role in horse acquisitions and development of CHC breeding and racing interests, especially via Newgate Farm partnerships, and was key to sourcing US$500,000 yearling and eventual United States Triple Crown winner Justify for the group. He returned to independent agency work at the end of 2021 and remained a sought-after advisor.