By Jordan Gerrans
Gold Coast trainer John Page is being remembered as a great mentor to the younger generations of the racing industry following his passing.
The former Sydney-based trainer moved to the Gold Coast in 1997, where he has lived up until this week.
He passed away peacefully on Monday at the age of 89.
Page is survived by his wife Helen, who is also a trainer at Aquis Park on the Gold Coast.
Page’s greatest triumph on the racetrack came when the colt he trained, Royal Sovereign won three derby races around Australia, including the Queensland Derby, in 1964.
He achieved that feat at age 33 and was just one of two trainers to win the treble of the Queensland Derby, AJC Australian Derby and Victoria Derby.
Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell said John was a significant contributor to the industry in the Sunshine State.
“John was a highly respected member of the Australian racing community and relocated from Sydney to the Gold Coast where he previously trained,” Parnell said.
“He was an outstanding trainer throughout his career including the amazing feat of training a three state Derby treble with Royal Sovereign in 1964.
“He was inducted into the Gold Coast Turf Club Hall of Fame in 2018.
“The entire racing community is sad to hear of John’s passing and extend our condolences to his wife Helen and the extended family."
Page first moved to the Gold Coast in 1997 but was a consistent visitor to the Queensland winter carnival for decades before that.
Gold Coast Turf Club Racing Manager Ian Brown recalled Page’s efforts to guide those younger than him within the industry in recent years.
“One thing that stood out about John to me was that he was genuinely interested in helping others within the industry,” Brown said.
“He was always wanting to pass on his experience and knowledge to the younger brigade, especially the younger riders.”
Brown said the club had honoured both the Page’s contributions to the Gold Coast in recent years.
“They moved up here in the late 1990s from Sydney after he had a long and distinguished career there, prior to the move,” Brown said.
“They are both in our Hall of Fame.
“John was a regular attendee at the races even until recently.”
Helen still has a team of horses being trained at the Gold Coast.
RQ extends its condolences to the Page family.