The Australian thoroughbred industry is mourning yesterday’s passing of Mr Bob Ingham AO at age 88.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce our beloved father, Bob Ingham, passed away yesterday at home aged 88 surrounded by his family,” a family statement said on Wednesday.
“His hard work, commitment and philosophy of ‘doing the right things and doing things right’ underpinned everything he did. He made us very proud. We will miss him greatly.”
One of the country’s most passionate racehorse owners, Bob Ingham, along with his brother Jack, built the Ingham’s company into the largest producer of chickens and turkeys in Australia.
Bob Ingham sold the Ingham Bloodstock operation in March 2008 to the Australian arm of Darley Stud. At a reported half a billion dollars, the sale was at the time the biggest deal recorded in the history of thoroughbred racing and breeding.
The Ingham’s distinct all cerise colours were regularly seen on racetracks around the country being worn by jockeys on such champions as Lonhro and Octagonal over decades.
Both horses went on to become highly successful stallions at the Ingham’s Woodlands Stud.
Bob’s philanthropy included his vision for an independent specialist centre for health and medical research facility in Liverpool – this was realised in 2012 when the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research was opened.
Bob was the much-loved husband of Norma (deceased) and devoted father to Lyn, Debbie, Robby and John, and father-in-law to their spouses. Bob had 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.