The Australian racing community is mourning the passing of Group 1-winning trainer Colin Webster, who has died aged 85 following a distinguished six-decade career that helped shape Western Australian racing.
A former accountant who began training in 1961 at just 21 years of age, Webster quickly established himself as one of the state’s most respected horsemen, producing top-class performers including Wolf City, Hasten Lass and Queen Inca throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
His success continued well into later life, with horses such as Beau Heed, Terwilliger and Pop Culture recording black-type victories between 2012 and 2014, highlighting Webster’s longevity and enduring horsemanship.
Webster also played a significant role in Australian racing history as the original trainer of Rogan Josh, who went on to win the Melbourne Cup in 1999 for Bart Cummings, marking the master trainer’s 11th victory in the famous race.
The defining moment of Webster’s later career came in 2022 when, at the age of 82, he trained Trix Of The Trade to victory in the Railway Stakes, one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious Group 1 races.
The gelding was ridden by former apprentice Troy Turner, who later reflected on Webster’s lasting influence on the sport, describing him as a mentor known for his integrity, calm demeanour and unwavering commitment to both horses and people.
Webster’s contribution to racing, particularly in Western Australia, leaves a legacy that will be long remembered across the industry.
