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Australian Turf Club has joined the NSW and Australian racing industry in paying tribute to much-loved thoroughbred owner and breeder, Pam Cornish.

Mrs Cornish passed away early on Monday morning after a long and brave battle with cancer.

As matriarch of the Cornish family, owners of the renowned Torryburn Stud in the NSW Hunter, Pam Cornish was wife to inaugural Australian Turf Club Chairman and prominent owner and breeder, John Cornish, and mother to Brett and Tania. She was also the beloved grandmother of Jack.

Pam & John Cornish at Royal Randwick races

Australian Turf Club Chairman, Matthew McGrath, paid tribute to Mrs Cornish and sent condolences to the Cornish family on behalf of the thoroughbred racing industry.

“Pam was a wonderful woman who battled illness for many years later in her life but continued that brave fight right to the end,” Mr McGrath said.

“Even two Saturdays ago she was at Royal Randwick in searing heat to cheer on another of the Torryburn team, continuing a life so well lived with her dear and beloved family.

“The Cornish family is not only part of the Australian Turf Club family, but also a highly-respected and popular part of the entire Australian racing industry.

“We send our deepest condolences to John and the family, and especially thank Pam for the great passion and contribution she has given to our Club and racing.”

Chairman of Racing NSW Russell Balding AO also expressed on behalf of Racing NSW deepest sympathies to John Cornish and his family.

“Pam was a tower of strength to John with her witty and sparkling personality that brightened up the room, and she will be sadly missed by the racing fraternity,” Mr Balding said.

A celebration of Pam’s life will be held on Friday, 14 February 2020 at 11.15am in the North Chapel of the Northern Suburbs Memorial Garden and Crematorium at North Ryde.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to support Dr Steven Kao and his team at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Camperdown.