Australian racing is mourning the loss of former Melbourne Cup-winning jockey and Australian Racing Hall of Fame inductee Pat Hyland, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
Born in 1941, Hyland forged a remarkable career in the saddle, riding more than 2380 winners over three decades. His résumé featured triumphs in some of the nation’s most prestigious races, including the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Golden Slipper.
Hyland’s most iconic moment came aboard What A Nuisance in the 1985 Melbourne Cup, a victory that cemented his place in Australian racing folklore.
Following his retirement from riding, Hyland successfully transitioned into training, capturing his first Group 1 success with Saleous in the 1995 Victoria Racing Club’s Oaks.
Racing runs deep in the Hyland family. His son Matt followed in his footsteps as both jockey and trainer and now serves as chief executive of the Victorian Jockeys’ Association.
Another son, Sam, also rode professionally, while Chris established himself as a trainer, continuing the family’s enduring contribution to the sport.
