Steve Richards VALE Steve Richards was one of Flemington’s most respected figures, and his sudden passing has been felt with much sadness across the Victorian racing community. A licensed trainer at Flemington since 1985, Richards had first made his mark as an apprentice jockey in the 1970s, a background that gave him a thorough understanding of the sport from both sides. Across his 40 years as a trainer, he saddled 273 winners and 15 Group race victories, two at the highest level. He came to early prominence with Blazing Sword, and enjoyed Group 1 victories with Ark Regal and Rostova. Other star horses Richards trained included Playwright, Irazu and Lazumba. Punic War gave him his most recent winner at Horsham in February. Australian Trainers’ Association president Troy Corstens, a friend of Richards for many years, remembered him warmly on SEN radio. “He was always happy, always shooting the breeze every time you saw him,” he said, adding that Richards was equally admired for his eye for a horse. “He was a terrific judge. He never had a particularly big team, but the team he had was always quality. It was a testament to him; he was such a good judge of a yearling.” VRC Chairman Neil Wilson also paid his respects. “Steve Richards was a highly respected trainer at Flemington across many decades, earning the admiration of his peers, his staff and all who worked alongside him,” he said. “On behalf of the Victoria Racing Club and the wider Flemington racing community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Steve’s family, his team and his friends.” He is survived by his wife, Maryanne and daughters Brooke and Laura.
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