LEGENDARY Wodonga trainer Ollie Cox was yesterday farewelled by about 400 mourners at the venue where he not only savoured regular success, but helped shape as one of the state’s best.
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Cox died last week, aged 83, and his funeral at the Wodonga track reunited life long friends, training rivals, owners and jockeys, who had ridden for and against him and his son, Brian.
The funeral was held on the lawn in front of the grandstand and at its conclusion his coffin was driven along the home straight and past the trainers’ complex he helped establish.
Melbourne Cup winner Subzero led the hearse and also carried the rug presented to Cox-trained horse, St Chrisoph, for his win in the Christmas Stakes at Caulfield in 1999.
Monica Conway led the funeral and read a family tribute of his life, which started at Woomargama and an education which ended at the age of 14 before he landed his first job as a livestock contractor.
A prayer and blessing was delivered by Father Dennis Crameri with Border district trainers including Peter Maher, Steve Aldridge, David O’Prey, John Ledger, Liz Aalbers and David Heywood among those paying their final respects.
Long-time stable jockey Steve Sharman and leading hoop Patrick Payne were among a host of current day and former riders in attendance.
A personal tribute came from Paula Morgan, whose chance meeting with Cox at a Bairnsdale race meeting sparked a lifelong friendship.
“He was so kind with his knowledge and never left me behind in anything he explained,” she said.
“His little tricks to get horses to eat or drink and those extra walks on sunny days to stretch their legs.
“He always had something to fix something and just knew what to do.”
Former Wodonga Turf Club president Terry Doolan also spoke about Cox playing a key role in establishing the trainers’ complex at a time when the venue was threatened with closure.
Mr Doolan was a young engineer with Wodonga Council and was eventually recruited onto the club’s committee by Cox.
Cox was forced to step down from the club’s committee when Racing Victoria decided trainers had a conflict of interest.
But Mr Doolan said Cox retained a pivotal role in track improvements.
“Ollie was involved at a time when funds were limited and any improvements were the result of a hands-on approach,” he said.
“The only payment was a shared barbecue and social drink at the end of a long day.
“I’m sure he could have made a great living as a WorkSafe inspector because his attention to detail was second to none.”
A final tribute was delivered by another ex-club president Terry Maher.