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*NOTE: A funeral service for Mr Jeffs will commence 2pm at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse (Grand Pavilion) on Monday, 1 December 2025.

The racing industry is mourning the passing of Mr John Jeffs, a well known face around many parts of the world.

John Jeffs, 83, succumbed to cancer early in the week and will be given a send off at Rosehill Gardens on Monday, 1 December.

The late Mr John Jeffs

John (or 'JJ') grew up in the NSW Central Districts town of Cowra and one of his first positions was secretary/manager for Cowra Jockey Club.

He then draw the attention of Sydney Turf Club, looking after Rosehill and Canterbury for around eight years before headhunted by Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Jeffs remained in Hong Kong for five years before the Australian Jockey Club lured him back to be Randwick course manager.

John then moved on to the sales ring where he was a regular at yearling sales, consulting for various studs and promoting their catalogues with great success.

Jeffs said: "I started to sell horses at the sales. It’s my hobby, it’s my love and I love doing it.” Some of the many comments from around the globe on John Jeff's passing included:

Bill Aspros (Former top Central Districts jockey): "A true gentleman and a great person RIP."

Peter Twomey (Bloodstock agent): "Sad day to have lost a legend of a person in John Jeffs. JJ was always so welcoming with his infectious smile and wonderful stories. Just all round terrific human; he’ll be missed by many."

Fin Powrie (Senior Steward & Racing Advisor of KRA, Seoul, South Korea): "A well respected racing identity! RIP JJ."

Blake Ryan (Hawkesbury trainer): "Never met a better human being."

Australian Turf Club posted: "JJ was a valued member of our organisation for almost 20 years, serving as Racecourse Manager across both the Sydney Turf Club and Australian Jockey Club at Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick. His contribution to our venues and to Sydney racing leaves a lasting legacy."

Grant Morgan (Principal of OnTrack Thoroughbreds): "I’ve met lots of people in this game, but none better than him. I’ll miss chatting with JJ; always learned something by the time you walked away. And with a smile on your face, feeling better for the time."

Sky Racing posted: "Rest in peace, John Jeffs. A brilliant operator, a respected figure across the industry and an even better bloke. John will be dearly missed."

John Jeffs is survived by his sons Michael & Dale and their wives Kelly & Raelene.