One of PROVEN THOROUGHBREDS’ longest serving owners, John Peck has died peacefully on the Sunshine Coast following a massive stroke Monday night. John had battled a number of mini strokes in the last couple of years and passed away surrounded by his large and diverse family.
Together with wife Jill, John raced a number of horses in the black & lime green including the high class galloper SIR MOMENTS and the Stakes winning filly CANDIKA. More recently the Pecks have raced COOL SEQUENCE, SCALLOPINI, TOO HOT TO HOLD and the promising CONTEMPTUOUS.
John’s passion for racing began in the National Capital where he enjoyed a distinguished career with the Department of Health and then in management consultancy. Prior to retiring to Bli Bli in Queensland, he raced many horses with Canberra trainer Keith Dryden including the prolific winner FREESTYLER and even had a stint as a bookmaker.
On a personal level, John was a forthright character never short of an opinion and the capacity to express it. He was also a very generous man always willing to offer helpful business advice. In an era of diminishing crowds, John and Jill were a regular sight at the races whenever they had runners. Only family and ill health precluded their attendance.
Our thoughts are with Jill and their family at this grief stricken time.