Vale
John Patterson OAM ‘Patto’
BY CELIA PURDEY
I n early October 2024, the Australian racing community lost a beloved member of the racing family when legendary figure John ‘Patto’ Patterson OAM passed away at the age of 86. A distinguished horseman, Patterson is survived by his wife Glenys and children Peter, Shane and Sheralee who each share his passion for horses. Patto’s connection to Flemington began in the 1950s when he left his hometown of Coleraine to pursue a career as an apprentice jockey. Though his jockey aspirations shifted, his love for horses remained steadfast. He transitioned to horse breaking and became one of Australia’s most revered educators of young horses. Eventually, he found his calling as a clerk of the course, a role he filled with distinction for decades.
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