Vale 'Patto' John Patterson OAM

Patto’s connection to Flemington began in the 1950s when he left his hometown of Coleraine to pursue a career as an apprentice jockey. Though his jockey aspirations shifted, his love for horses remained steadfast. He transitioned to horse breaking and became one of Australia’s most revered educators of young horses. Eventually, he found his calling as a clerk of the course, a role he filled with distinction for decades.

Patto’s life was intertwined with the Melbourne Cup and Flemington Racecourse. The first Melbourne Cup winner he led in was Rain Lover in 1969. He then accompanied every winner back to scale until 2013 (with one exception in 1977, when he was sidelined with knee surgery). For 44 Melbourne Cups, Patto was an integral part of the iconic race, leading in victorious horses and jockeys after their triumphs. His calm demeanour and expert horsemanship ensured the safety of both horse and rider amidst the excitement of the race that stops a nation®. His image, entering the mounting yard alongside some of racing’s most legendary champions, is etched in Melbourne Cup history.

After his retirement, his sons, Peter and Shane, took up the reins, ensuring that a member of the Patterson family has proudly led in the Lexus Melbourne Cup winner every year since.  

Patto leaves behind an enduring legacy as the longest-serving Clerk of the Course in Melbourne Cup history. He was a much loved member of the Flemington family, a dedicated horseman, and a mentor to many, as his influence extended beyond the racetrack. He was a respected figure in the equestrian world, participating and judging at the Royal Melbourne Show, retraining retired racehorses, and even designing horse bits.

He also shared his vast knowledge and passion with aspiring jockeys and trackwork riders, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of horsemen. Among a long list of names that he coached to stardom was a young Craig Williams, who shared his tribute at his funeral, held, fittingly, at Flemington Racecourse. “After every Melbourne Cup you rode he was the first person you wanted to see after the race,” Williams said.

“He’s synonymous with the race. He was iconic.

“Every single day when he was working, his job was to get the horses and riders to the barriers safely and then back after the race. It was like having our own bodyguard. Rightly, he gets the accolades for being an amazing horseman and he was a person who shared his knowledge and experience and not everyone does. I was one of the benefactors of him wanting to share his vast knowledge. He was a man of few words but when he spoke you listened as his words carried weight. That’s what we loved about him and that’s why Patto was Patto.”

Patto’s dedication to the sport was recognised in 2021 with a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to horse racing. In 2023, the VRC paid tribute to the Patterson family’s contribution by renaming the horse walk leading to the winner’s circle ‘Patterson Avenue’. This permanent tribute acknowledges not only Patto’s legacy but also the continued dedication of Peter and Shane.

More than just a clerk of the course, John Patterson was a true horseman, a mentor, and a cherished member of the racing community. His passion for horses, his dedication to the sport, and his warm personality will be deeply missed. The legacy of Patto will live on through his family, the countless individuals he mentored, and the many memories he helped create at Flemington.