By Tony McMahon
Stradbroke-winning jockey and Rockhampton racing legend Lyle Rowe has called time on his training career.
Lyle came to everyone’s notice six decades ago when he piloted Mister Hush to victory in the 1967 Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap over 1400 metres.
He was a successful jockey in Brisbane during the sixties and seventies and was a stable rider for the powerful Fred Best establishment.
In the early eighties, Lyle headed north with his first stop Mackay before moving to Rockhampton.
As a jockey, Lyle Rowe won two Rockhampton Newmarket Handicaps on Wentwel Lad (1976) and Kero (1980).
When he hung up his saddle and turned his attention to training, he was just as successful.
He first started on a part-time basis from stables in Tomkins Street, North Rockhampton.
As success quickly materialised, from horses the likes of Storm Boot and Fast Buck with whom Lyle won 18 races each, he took up training full time and later moved to Callaghan Park racecourse.
This proved fruitful as he went on to become the premier Rockhampton trainer for four consecutive seasons from 2012-15.
While a Rockhampton Cup eluded Rowe as a jockey, he achieved that goal as a trainer when Monashee Mountain-gelding Canny Climb, ridden by David Simmons, won the 2011 edition.
It was a memorable win for Lyle as the chestnut with whom he won 10 races was part-owned by family members, including his wife and greatest fan Patricia.
Lyle Rowe winning won of his four training titles. Pictures: Courtesy of Morning Bulletin
That Cup win in 2011 had been more meritorious as Cannyclimb had been under a cloud leading up to the race from the effects of a hoof bruise.
Lyle Rowe always maintained Laurinel Impulse, owned by his long-time stable patron Paul Kirkwood, was the best horse he trained and that was saying something.
During his reign at Callaghan Park, he also had gifted horses of the calibre of Mythologist (11 wins), Kilwinning Option (9 -went on to win in Sydney), Legal Procedure, King’s Love and Barefoot Contessa.
Unfortunately, Rowe was hospitalised four weeks ago because of a medical condition.
Over the past two years, Melinda Morris, a treasured Rowe employee and “second in command” for the last 14 years, has been his rock in loyally maintaining the daily stable operations.
While maintaining a small stable during the 20/21 season, Lyle trained three winners with his last being Bantu Bay on June 30 last year.
While a fine exponent of moulding yearlings he had chosen into winning 2YOs (153 wins), Lyle was also a treasured mentor of apprentice jockeys including three times premier Luke Dillon.
He was so highly thought of in this sphere that he was the chief tutor and convenor of the Rockhampton Jockey Club apprentice school for many years.
Lyle is very well respected in the racing fraternity not only in Rockhampton but throughout Queensland, said Rockhampton Jockey Club chairman Rob Carr.
“He is a valued member of the Rockhampton community in general and always was willing to help in any way he could,” Rob said.
“The Rockhampton Jockey Club and I am sure all stakeholders extend their best wishes to Lyle and his wife Patricia.”
Lyle has joined his wife Tricia (Patricia) at an aged-care facility.