Trainer Pat Duff a true gentleman of racing

By Jordan Gerrans

For Pat Duff’s almost life-long service to the racing industry, he has been the gentleman of the training ranks in Queensland. 

Long-time friends of the veteran Deagon-based horseman use phrases like heart of gold, a great mentor to younger trainers and apprentice jockeys and just a person who would go above and beyond for someone that has fallen on hard times, when they speak of Duff. 

After more than 50 years in the training game around the Sunshine State, the Queensland arm of the Australian Trainers’ Association last year introduced the Pat Duff Trophy.

Duff, a long-time president of the Association, had the award named after him and it will be handed to a trainer every year who goes out of their way to support others within the industry.

Trainer Les Ross, a close friend of Duff’s, was the first recipient of the prize and said he was honoured to claim the trophy.

“Patty is a great mate and great trainer, he is someone I have always looked up to,” Ross said.

“It is a privilege to win it and hopefully it can go on for many years from here.

“It is deserved for Pat to have an award named after him and hopefully the next winner of the award next year is as thankful as I am.”

At Duff’s Deagon stable, he is aided by his twin brother Cedric, who he has worked with on and off for the last 40 years.

In his 80s these days, Cedric works around the stables, does the water for the horses, sweeps up and just keeps the place looking respectable, he says.

Our Cavalier, a Queensland Horse of the Year winner, was one of the top Duff team gallopers over the years, alongside Handsome Prince and Star Of Florida, who won the Challenge Stakes in Sydney.

The Duff stable is more known to race on the provincial circuit in recent years but they were once a big time player in town, finishing second in the metropolitan premiership back in the 1990-91 campaign.

“We get along good together, that is one thing, we have never had an argument – put it that way,” Cedric said with a smile.

“The biggest thrill I ever got, because I strapped him was the day Beau Legend won the Queensland Cup.

“I love strapping horses.”

Hailing from the South Burnett region of Queensland, the Duff family have been in racing as long as Cedric remembers, with the brothers riding track work from their teenage years.

“Our Dad’s father came to the South Burnett in 1910 and on our mother’s side, her father came to Wondai in 1915,” Cedric recalled.

“It is around 100 years of racing.

“On Mum’s side, the Ryans, they have always had racehorses too.

“We are born and bred into it; we have been connected with race horses all our lives.”

Cameron Partington, from the Queensland arm of the Australian Trainers’ Association, says that Duff’s impact on racing is much more than training a winner on a Saturday afternoon, it is defined by the extra mile he will often go for people within the industry.

“I have known Pat or 30 years, he got me into racing, and that is how he got me into the ATA about 12 or 13 years ago,” Partington said.

“Pat has done a huge amount for the industry, looking after people, mentoring jockeys and other trainers through his life as he is well into his 80’s now.

“We wanted to honour what he has done for the Queensland racing industry now and it was a surprise for him to see the award named after him.

“We basically wanted to choose someone who goes beyond normal behaviours, they are looking after their mates and doing extra.

“What Pat has done for the racing industry in Queensland is huge.”

Multiple Group 1-winning hoop Jim Byrne learnt to ride around the Duff barn and has gone on to be a leading rider in Queensland for decades, while champion jockey Mick Dittman also spent time under his tutelage.

Duff also took pride in mentoring young female hoops, including Jessie Philpot amongst others.

Ross, who was recently the toast of Queensland racing with three Magic Millions 2YO Classic runners, was inspired to take on apprentice riders after Duff’s exploits, including having youngster Lilli Barr in his yard currently.

“Whenever you ask Pat to do something, he is always there,” Ross said.

“He is the first bloke to put their hand up if someone needs help, the first bloke to back you up in an argument if he believes you are right.

“He is still training winners at his age, which is a great achievement.”

Originally from Cunnamulla, Ross received the first ever Pat Duff Trophy for his commitment to helping others within the industry, including being one of the first to visit Sunshine Coast trainer Gary Duncan in hospital following his heart attack at the races last year.

“He is a knock about but he is a bloke with a genuine heart of gold and for being able to recognise Pat and Les and what they have done for a long time is fantastic,” Partington said of Ross and Duff. 

“Hopefully we can keep the trophy going forever.”

The Duff stable has four runners engaged at two different venues this Wednesday afternoon, two heading to Kilcoy with another two on the way to Ipswich.