The Thoroughbred Racing Industry is today mourning the loss of pioneering former trainer Mrs Betty Lane OAM.
“We are saddened to hear of Betty Lane’s passing – Betty was a ground breaker in the racing industry and by becoming Sydney’s first licensed female trainer she laid a foundation for future generations,” said Racing NSW’s Acting Chief Executive, Mr Graeme Hinton.
“Betty was highly respected throughout the industry and a mentor to the many women who followed her into the training ranks, including legendary trainer Gai Waterhouse. We pass
on our sincere condolences to Betty’s family and friends.”
Betty Lane started her training career at Geurie in 1962 where she teamed up with husband of 46 years Tiger Holland, winning three Western District premierships.
She was then granted a Metropolitan Trainer’s licence at Randwick, establishing herself in the Sydney ranks by training many winners and being recognised for her success.
As a result, in 1983, Lane then became the first female to receive a Number 1 licence at Randwick with Gai Waterhouse the only other female to be given that honour.
Throughout her career Lane prepared more than 1000 winners and along with husband Tiger Holland, trained Stakes winners Timothy, Belle Tetue, Nickson, Athelnoth and Smokey Jack who was runner-up in the 1978 Golden Slipper behind champion galloper Manikato.
At Wednesday’s Kensington meeting, Race 2 will be named in honour of Mrs Lane.
Preparations for Betty’s funeral will be made in the coming days, and she will be laid to rest beside her husband Tiger Holland at St Jude’s Anglican Church.
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