Three-time Melbourne Cup winning owner Michael Gudinski who was also an icon of the Australian music industry, died suddenly on Monday night.
Gudinski shared in the ownership of Melbourne Cup winners Almandin, Rekindling and last year’s winner Twilight Payment with Lloyd and Nick Williams.
But it was through music that Gudinski made his name managing some of Australia’s biggest names while also bringing to Australia many of the world’s biggest overseas acts.
Victoria Racing Club chairman Neil Wilson said the Club was devastated by the loss of one of its closest friends and biggest supporters.
“Michael was responsible for bringing some of Australia’s biggest acts to Cup week, and he also championed up-and-coming artists, helping unearth the next generation of Australia’s musical talent, many of whom held their first major performances at Flemington,” Wilson said.
“He was as passionate about racing as he was about music. Michael and wife Sue were regulars at Flemington, and he was as at ease mixing with superstars in The Birdcage as he was chatting with fellow owners in The Mounting Yard.”
Among a number of horses, Gudinski holds a share in the ownership of Homesman, trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, who is set to run in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Gudinski is survived by wife Sue, children Matt and Kate and grandchildren.
Written by Craig Brennan
