- Known for its larrikin character
- Missed by thousands of mourners
- There will be a race named after him
Australia's thoroughbred racing industry is mourning the loss of famed jockey Alan 'Jock' Gollogly, who died on Monday aged 72 after a long illness.
A special commemoration will be held this Saturday at Royal Randwick, where the Australian Turf Club will honor Gollogly's memory by naming a race after him.
“Jock Gollogly was a unique character who was known and respected throughout the industry,” Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys said.
“You won't find a more passionate racing person who had a fantastic sense of humor and was a master storyteller.”
Gollogly's passing has been deeply felt within the racing community, with tributes coming from across the country.
Racing and Sports Executive Director Gary Crispe recalled fond memories of the early driving days of the late hoop in Brisbane.
“Those great memories of Jock and Bengala Lad winning a bunch of races, including I think a Doomben 10000. Nice man, RIP,” he wrote.
Alan 'Jock' Gollogly was as famous for his larrikin character as he was for his racing
The Australian Turf Club is naming a race after Gollogly at Royal Randwick this weekend
Fans and friends have also offered their condolences and shared memories of his larrikin demeanor, cheeky smile and the fascinating stories he told about his racing exploits.
'Goodbye dear Jock. We will miss your larrikin manner and that cheeky smile. Condolences to his beautiful family. I hope he's having a beer there with Alan. Cheers mate,” one racing fan posted.
'I used to call Jock for a few beers when I was bar manager at Quirindi jockey club and he did cup day MC there, great guy and great stories he had about racing RIP Jock,' posted another.
'What a sweet, kind and hospitable man Jock was. I loved what he did and did it for as long as he could. I didn't know him that well, but whenever I saw him at the races, he made me feel like I was his buddy. His warm spirit and generous spirit will be greatly missed. RIP Jock,” wrote Sky Racing journalist Greg Prichard.
Gollogly was born in Queensland to a successful jockey father and followed in his family's footsteps.
After completing his education at Nudgee College in 1968, he apprenticed with his grandfather, Fred Best – a winner of 17 Brisbane Trainers' Premierships and an Australian Hall of Fame inductee.
Gollogly's career in the saddle was marked by numerous successes. He won the Brisbane Apprentices' Premiership in 1970-71 and rode Bengalla Lad to victory in the Group 1-Doomben 10,000 in 1972.
His career took him beyond Australian shores with an eight-month stint in Hong Kong with George Moore in 1975. The following year he moved to Newcastle where he remained for the rest of his life.
In his later years, Gollogly moved into media roles, working with Prime TV, Sky Racing Radio and the Newcastle Herald. His last role was as official track timer for top trainer Kris Lees from Newcastle.
Gollogly's passing is a significant loss to the racing industry. His sincerity, compassion and dedication touched many and left a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
He is survived by his longtime partner, Lindsay.