Death Of Nick Columb

Nick Columb, a prominent figure in the Australasian racing and bloodstock community has died. He was 72 years of age and apparently suffered a stroke while on holidays in Spain last week. He ultimately failed to recover, passing away surrounded by his family on Friday night. Columb wore several hats during his time in racing; as an owner he enjoyed top level success in the 1980s with the likes of G1 Caulfield Cup winners Imposera (NZ) (Imposing {Aus}) and Tristarc (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}), while he also won a G1 Golden Slipper with Courtza (NZ) (Pompeii Court). Columb was also chairman of Australia's Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association for 15 years until 2001 while in recent times he was an influential decision maker at major bloodstock auctions through his role as bloodstock consultant for the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Columb developed a long standing friendship with Arrowfield Stud's John Messara who lead the tributes to his colleague and friend. “Nick Columb was the staunchest friend, always fearless, constantly innovative and deeply passionate about horse racing and so much else,” Messara told Racing.com. “He leaves an unfillable gap in Arrowfield's world, and so many good memories and reasons to be grateful for his incomparable life.”

Columb's colleague at the HKJC Mark Richards was another to mourn his passing. He paid tribute to Columb on Twitter and said, “So sad at hearing this morning, my close mate and colleague Nick Columb had passed on during the night. Taught me a great deal in the last couple of years. I'm a better person for knowing him. Condolences to all his family. RIP Nico.”