19-05-2025
Horse racing community rocked by tragic sudden passing of trainer after her life support was turned off
Tributes have been pouring in following the death of horse racing trainer, Marnie Kelly, who died on May 16.
Kelly, the partner of Australian horse trainer Tony Haydon, suffered a heart attack and a seizure at the couple's Queensland property in Gympie on May 12.
She was taken to Gympie Hospital and was then transported to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, where she was placed on life support.
Sadly, in a statement released on a fundraising page set up to support the family, scans had revealed that no oxygen was reaching Kelly's brain.
A decision was then made to turn off her life support, four days following her first admission to hospital.
'Tony wishes to thank everyone for their support and love at this difficult time but has asked now for some space,' a statement on the GoFundMe page read.
Kelly and her partner Tony (left) managed the boutique Haydon's Racing horse training stables, and are well known for their work with legendary trainer Peter Moody
'It is with absolute heartbreak that we are now raising money to cover funeral and upcoming expenses for the near future,' the page added.
Meanwhile, Haydon Racing also issued a statement on Facebook, writing: 'Today is an extremely sad day, as we have had to say bye to beautiful Marnie Kelly this morning as she passed away peacefully with Tony and family by her side.
'Marnie was the most amazing and giving person who has touched so many of our lives; she will be forever missed.
'Thank you, everyone, for your love and support through this difficult time.'
The GoFundMe page was initially started by Tony's younger sister, Mel.
Mel wrote that Marnie had begun the day as normal, adding that the family were unsure of what happened in the lead up to her falling ill.
'Tony found Marnie unconscious and hurt after what we think was a devastating seizure,' the statement wrote.
The GoFundMe Page has, at the time of writing, raised $22,850.
Haydon Racing published a statement on Facebook on Friday confirming that Marnie had passed away beside family members
Marnie and Tony were key players in the success of Peter Moody-trained horse Black Caviar, an Aussie thoroughbred horse that set a record for the country, winning 25 races on the bounce.
Moody later took to X to write: 'What a beautiful soul. What a beautiful person. RIP Kel Love and condolences to family and Tony
'From your Moody family xox.'
Moody's wife Sarah, had donated $5,000 to the GoFundMe page.
Queensland training stable JLH Racing also published a tribute on social media.
'Marnie was a truly amazing woman who loved her animals, sport and horses, but especially loved you and was by your side for so many pinnacles of your life.
'Marnie — know you will be cheering for the Roosters & Swans from up there.'
Friends and social media users have taken to Facebook to pay tribute and their condolences to Tony and his family.
Marnie (right) is understood to have gone into cardiac arrest after she had suffered a seizure at the family's estate last week
'Absolutely devastating news, thinking of you Tony and all the family, Marnie was a wonderful human,' one wrote on Haydon Racing's post.
Another wrote: 'The most beautiful, genuine person I ever had the pleasure of meeting. Thinking of you Tony xo.'
Mel also shared a tribute to Marnie on her GoFundMe page.
'Our lives were blessed when Marnie and Tony became partners and by partners they are perfect partners at home, where Tony thinks he is the boss and partners at work, where Tony is not the boss with Marnie right beside him, helping ensure everything is done to perfection,' she wrote.
'Marnie has been there for the good and the bad from Nelly days to Townsville to Gympie, where they are at the beautiful farm and get to do what they love.
'Marnie is the most beautiful person inside and out; those who know her fall in love with her straight away. I know I did, she is amazing.'
