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One of Australia’s most respected and passionate horse owner-breeders and philanthropists, Mr Nick Moraitis, has passed away aged 87 following a battle with cancer.

“What Nick Moraitis put into thoroughbred racing is immeasurable,” said Racing NSW’s Chief Executive, Mr Peter V’landys AM. “Nick was a larger than life character who was not only a substantial owner of horses, but also put back into the industry as an administrator.

The late Mr Nick Moraitis

“Nick was a huge supporter and contributor to the breeding industry as well as a big supporter of investment in the younger generation to engage in horse racing; he was always looking at the big picture.

“Nick could hold a room with his charisma and presence. He also worked hard to assist charities and in 2006 created the annual ‘Might and Power Gala Raceday’ at Rosehill Gardens to raise funds for Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

“The NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry is the poorer for Nick’s passing and we send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Moraitis.”

Nick Moraitis was one of the nation’s largest and most successful thoroughbred owners with his legendary white, grey & pink colours gracing racetracks across the landscape.

Mr Moraitis was a long-time director of the Sydney Turf Club before it merged with the Australian Jockey Club to become the Australian Turf Club. He was awarded STC Life Membership in 2007 and subsequently ATC Life Membership in 2012.

Nick’s most famous galloper was Might and Power, a Hall of Famer, who won 15 of his 33 starts and $5.2 million including the Caulfield Cup (by nearly eight lengths), the Melbourne Cup, Cox Plate and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at both Royal Randwick and Flemington.

He also raced many other top-class gallopers including subsequent stallion superstar Exceed and Excel, Fiumicino, Love Conquers All and Destiny’s Kiss.

In business, Nick was a pioneer in the fruit and vegetable field with his company the Moraitis Group supplying food products to retail supermarkets, national restaurant chains and independent fruit markets throughout Australia.

Funeral service arrangements for Mr Moraitis are yet to be finalised.