given to a person that best captures the spirit of Victorian Country Racing within the media landscape. Styring did just this and more. He was widely known and respected for his various media work and willingness to lend a hand whenever it was needed at country tracks, from working bees to committee meetings. TheVRCnamed their Living Legends Plate after Styringwho admitted to being moved by the gesture bestowed upon him when stepping away from the field glasses at the age of 82. “That was an honour that I will never forget. I first went to Flemington in the 1930s and I saw one of the greatest horses to ever race. That was Bernborough … arguably one of Australia’s greatest ever equine athletes.” And of course, people can always raise a glass to the colourful character at the Jack Styring Bar at one of his favourite country tracks, Hanging Rock. STYRING’S ROLL CALL • 7 Melbourne Cups • 60 Gunbower Cups (earning him a place in the Guinness World Records)
• 39 Hanging Rock Cups . . . plus many, many others.
MEMORABLE STYRING-ISMS “They're off, like a bag of prawns on a hot day.”
“Get in the queue now brother.”
“With its mouth open like mother cod fish calling for its young.”
“Jumped out of the contraption like a scalded cat.”
“Showing its considerable molars to the breeze.”
“What’s this coming at a thousand-miles-an-hour? I don’t know but you’re a bit too late brother.”
“He’s won by as far as you can kick a jam tin.”
“They’re strung out like Monday’s washing.”
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