It is with sadness that Racing Victoria (RV) and the Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA) acknowledge yesterday’s passing of former jockey Barry ‘Spatch’ Wyatt after a lengthy battle with illness.
Wyatt, 64, was a well-known and popular member of the racing community in Victoria’s south-east working for over 25 years at the Cranbourne Training Complex after retiring from the saddle.
Wyatt was first apprenticed in 1975 to Barry Burke before later transferring to Colin Alderson and completing his apprenticeship in 1980. He continued as a senior rider through until his last ride in 1999.
Wyatt rode over 330 winners in four states – Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania – and enjoyed a successful partnership with trainer Chris Parry which included five black type wins.
He rode in more than 3,000 races and was a regular fixture at meetings throughout Victoria’s south-east riding plenty of winners at tracks like Bairnsdale, Sale, Stony Creek and Traralgon.
Those horses with whom he enjoyed a strong association included 1996 Cranbourne Cup placegetter Brilliant Poet, Rosso Verde, Tramore Bay and Scotch Eagle to name just a few.
This Saturday’s Cranbourne Cup Day meeting will mark the 26th anniversary of his first day of employment with the Cranbourne Turf Club.
A minute’s silence will be held for Wyatt prior to the first race on Cranbourne Cup Day with riders in the first race to wear black armbands in his honour.
RV’s Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison, said: “On behalf of the entire industry, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Barry Wyatt’s family and friends on the sad news of his passing.
“Spatch, as he was known to many, was a popular member of the Victorian racing community who dedicated his life to our sport and in doing so made many friends along the journey.
“In a week in which we gather to celebrate the Cranbourne Cup, he will be fondly remembered as a long-term and dedicated employee of the Cranbourne Turf Club as well as an accomplished former jockey.”
VJA Chief Executive, Matt Hyland, said, “On behalf of all riders, past and present, we extend our sincere condolences to his wife Nicole and daughter Millie on the news of Spatch’s passing.
“Spatch was a popular member of our riding ranks in the 1980’s and 90s and he has remained a familiar face to many riders with his work at Cranbourne over many years. He was always great fun and will be sorely missed.”