Horse Industry mourns passing of Phillip Esplin

Racing NSW has suffered a loss this week with the passing of its former deputy chairman and one of the state's most influential racing identities, Philip Esplin.

A prominent owner and breeder, Esplin was involved with Arrowfield Group from its inception and was a founding director of Arrowfield Stud. A fierce and formidable competitor, he bred many stakewinners, all with deceptively innocuous names like Miss Moneypenny, Well Rounded, and Platinum Passion.

While the latter may sound like the name of a Clairol hair colour, Esplin earned a reputation as a discerning and distinguished thoroughbred breeder in association with Twin Palms Stud. He served at various times on the board of the Australian Jockey Club and worked as a well-regarded commercial lawyer.

The Aussie flag has been lowered to half-staff as a token of mourning at Arrowfield Stud.