Robbie Laing passes suddenly
Laing, a five-time Group 1-winner including Victoria Derby and Australian Cup triumphs, died in his sleep overnight Sunday.
Laing was at Flemington last Saturday and saddled up El Soleado which finished second.
The Cranbourne-based trainer prepared more than 1000 winners during his career including the 2013 Victoria Derby winner Polanski.
Laing, a natural horseman, also saddled a swag of feature jumps winners including champion gallopers Mazzacano and Sir Pentire.
Laing returned to Victorian training ranks two years ago after a forced hiatus due to financial hardships and enjoyed solid success with a small team.
Fellow Cranbourne trainer Gavin Bedggood, who rode Mazzacano and Vindicating to feature jumps victories for Laing, paid tribute to his former mentor.
'RIP Robbie Laing,' Bedggood posted on X.
'Far from conventional but a man who was very good to me. Gave me my 1st horse as a trainer (and) many winners as a rider & plenty of advice over the years.
'Was never given the credit he deserved as a trainer (and) always had a good 2yr old, handicapper & jumper. Rest easy.'
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