Vale John Clift

WELL known racing identity John Clift passed away yesterday at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.

Mr John Clift, well known racing identity

He was 91 years of age.

Mr Peter V’landys, chief executive of Racing NSW, said the industry had lost a great contributor.

“Country racing in NSW has lost a great contributor and a wonderful character with an unsurpassed involvement in racing,” said Mr V’ladndys AM.

Mr Clift established the Dip Stud near Breeza and later Kia Ora Stud near Scone.

Champion racehorse Gunsynd was bred by Mr Clift at Dip Stud in 1967 and retired to Kia Ora in 1973.

Mr Clift gave 65 years of service to race clubs, which he began at just 20 years of age, including president of the Tamworth Jockey Club, West Tamworth Jockey Club as well as committee positions at Gunnedah Jockey CLub, Picnic Race Club and Muswellbrook Race Club.

He remained part of the Tamworth Jockey Club until only a few years ago, with the function centre at Tamworth Racecourse named in his honour.

As an owner Mr Clift raced countless horses as far back as 1944, mainly in the North West and Hunter regions of NSW, including Sunset Gem who ran second in a Queensland Derby and his favourite horse Royal Report.

Mr Clift was also:

• a life member of Tamworth Jockey Club;
• long term member of the Hunter and North West Racing Association;
• a board member of the Country Racing Council, now known as Racing NSW Country and served as Deputy Chairman;
• was honoured with the Simon Nivison Special achievement award by Country Racing in 2004;
• received the Australian Sports Medal in September 2000 for his contribution to the thoroughbred industry;
• a councillor on the Liverpool Plains Shire for 15 years and
• committeeman and life member of the Tamworth Show Society.

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