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The Frater family of Binnaway has advised of the sad loss of John Frater, aged 79, on 16th December 2019.

John served on the Committee of Binnaway Jockey Club, supporting his brother Dennis who was President for over 30 years, and on the Committee of Coonabarabran Jockey Club.

John enjoyed his years serving on the Board of the Western Racing District. An amateur picnic races jockey in his early years, he will be remembered by racegoers across north and western NSW.

Following the proud family tradition of racing passed on from grandfather Walter, father Ferg and uncle Arch ‘Spo’ Frater, John always felt it was important for racehorse owners to support local racing.

For some 40 years, racehorses have carried Dennis and John’s ‘white, pink stars, pink cap’ colours.  Not for Export, trained by Dar Lunn in Dubbo, made it to the Country Championship Final in 2017.

Other memorable horses for John’s family include Village Prince, Marquee Star, Leaders Road and the NZ bred Sans Atout. John’s best mate Les Rayner was also involved in most of the adventures.

Like all racehorse owners, there was always hope of a Melbourne Cup runner. One was expectantly named Sudorue with the idea of the great story it would make being named for John’s daughters Susan, Donna & Ruth.

Unfortunately (in those days of handwritten name applications) it came back as Sudorve and never had a start. That’s racing!

A private cremation was held in Gunnedah as per the family’s ‘riding instructions’.

“I don’t want no harping or singing -
Such things with my style don’t agree:
Where the hoofs of the horses are ringing
There’s music sufficient for me”.
- Banjo Patterson