Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA) and the broader racing community today pay their respects to the family and friends of the late Ned Walker, his wife Nan and their daughter Sue.
Both personally and professionally, the family is well-known and respected across the entire South East region, and TRSA can vouch for their standing within the racing fraternity.
Based out of the Millicent Racing Club, Ned trained with success for many years and was also a staunch club supporter and committee member. He was awarded life membership approximately 20 years ago.
TRSA CEO Nick Redin said Ned, Nan and Sue were clearly “much-loved” member of the racing and wider community.
“Millicent Racing Club president John Payne has spoken of the high community regard for Ned, Nan and Sue,” Mr Redin said.
“Through racing, Ned forged many enduring friendships, via his unique, genuine and unpretentious personality.
“Ned’s final winner as a trainer was Bear Arms, at Naracoorte on August 12 and his post-race interview on Racing.com was typically forthright, fun and endearing.”
As outlined in The Border Watch newspaper last week, Ned’s biggest thrill in racing came when General Magic – part owned by the Walker family – won the 2002 Millicent Cup. Lionhearted Girl also put Ned’s name on the metropolitan racing radar via three city wins in 2013. As reported in The Border Watch, Ned dabbled in jumps racing and his charge, Prince of Diamonds, won five races over the hurdles in the mid-1990s.
The other community contributions by Ned and his family have been well-documented in recent days, including their long and loyal service to the Millicent Football Club.
“Social media posts since the trio’s tragic passing have painted a clear picture of Ned as a lovable, quirky and often selfless community member, as evidenced by his organising role in an annual blind cricket match involving a Millicent team,” Mr Redin said.
“Ned, Nan and Sue have been described as part of a ‘wonderful family’, while Ned has been called ‘one of the great characters of racing’.
“TRSA, its participants and supporters come together to offer their sympathies and support to the family, friends, associates and supporters of Ned, Nan and Sue at this difficult time.”
The funeral service for Ned and Nan will be livestreamed at 2pm (ACDT) today (Friday 11 December 2020). Click here to watch the service.