Former champion jockey, Geoff Lane, has passed away earlier this week in Brisbane at the age of 80.

He was apprenticed to Phar Lap’s trainer Tommy Woodcock, they had a remarkable relationship, more like father and son there was never a cross word uttered between them.

When he came out of his time, Geoff and Brian Courtney formed a great relationship, they combined to win numerous races with Dhaulagiri, including the Cox Plate; he was also the regular rider for Lord who was a top weight for age horse, trained by Ken Hilton.

Geoff was always smiling even if his mount didn’t win, the women still loved him, he was the pin up boy of racing but he only had eyes for Joanie, whom he married.

Together they opened a night club on St Kilda Road, that was a night I shall never forget, he played a great role as ‘Mine Host’

Geoff faded out of Australian racing after he had an offer from Hong Kong as a Steward for the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, where he remained for several years.

Our paths crossed again in Hong Kong, he was popular where ever he went

I shall always remember Geoff Lane as a great mate, wonderful jockey; no one could wipe the smile off his face.