One of the New South Wales racing industry’s most passionate owners, Geoff White AO, passed away peacefully on Sunday following a short illness, aged 81.
White owned many top class racehorses with his wife Beryl that sported the couple’s familiar silks of white, with a purple star and hooped sleeves.
“Mr White’s passing is a very sad day for racing in this state,” Peter V’landys, Racing NSW chief executive, said
“For many years Geoff and Beryl White have been significant owners and breeders in New South Wales.
“Geoff was an extremely keen racegoer and few would be unfamiliar with Geoff and Beryl’s famous white and purple colours carried to victory by such great horses as Eremein and Marscay.
“Geoff will be missed greatly by the entire racing industry.”
Geoff and Beryl White were very loyal owners to former top trainer Jack Denham and later his son Allan with the Denhams capturing endless big race victories with White-owned gallopers including:-
Eremein: Won 12 races and $4.2million in prizemoney with five Group One wins (AJC Derby, Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Rosehill Guineas, The BMW and the Ranvet Stakes)
Triscay: 15 wins and $1.9m; five Group One wins (AJC Oaks, AJC Champagne Stakes, Flight Stakes, Australian Guineas and the Queensland Oaks)
Yippyio: 14 wins and $2.1m; two Group One wins (Brisbane Cup and Queensland Derby)
Marscay: 1982 Golden Slipper winner and went on to become an Australian champion stallion for the White family
Other top performers included Jetball, Marwina, Marrego, Euclase, Reenact, etc.
The White family recently offered iconic Scone Thoroughbred nurseries Bhima and Invermien for sale, planning to secure a smaller property and continue to breed to race.
Horses bred and reared at Bhima and Invermien Studs ensured the farms were among prominent vendors at major sales, but it was always breeding and racing their own horses that most satisfied the White family.
Mr White is survived by wife Beryl, children Helen, Sue, Greg and Judy, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Details of a memorial service, likely to be held on Friday 13 July, will be advised.