Champion jockey John Marshall passed away on Sunday night aged 60, losing his battle against pancreatic cancer.
Marshall rode Rogan Josh to victory in the 1999 Melbourne Cup, giving owner Bart Cummings his eleventh win in the race.
The West Australian rode all of Cummings’s champions during the 1980s and 90s, winning the 1987 Champagne Stakes on Sky Chase and the 1988 Australian Derby with Beau Zam.
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Winning 86 races, Marshall become Sydney's leading jockey for the 1987/88 racing season. He didn't retire until September 2000, three months after winning his final Australian stakes with Pasta Express.
Hall of Fame jockey Ron Quinton, who rode against Marshall throughout the peak of his career, paid tribute to the champion rider.
"He was a very professional jockey, very dedicated, who obviously rode a lot for Bart and was very successful," Quinton told Racing.com.
"He was a first-class rider, a fair competitor and was always out there doing his best.
"It's very sad news to hear this morning. It’s never a good time, but it's very tough for the family right on the eve of Christmas."
From all over us @CummingsRacing and the whole Cummings Family, our thoughts are with The Marshall Family after John's passing last night. John was a huge part of Leilani Lodge prior to his retirement, and a great friend of Anthony's. May he rest in peace. Vale Johnny Marshall
— CummingsRacing (@CummingsRacing) December 23, 2018
Australian Jockeys' Association chief executive Des O'Keeffe also spoke to the website, praising Marshall's legacy in the racing industry.
“We are really shocked and saddened to hear the news of John’s passing," O'Keeffe said.
“He was incredibly well-respected and highly-regarded by all his peers and our thoughts are with the family at this time."
Marshall's son Taylor is an emerging young jockey based in Brisbane.