A legacy
of loyalty

Born in Coleraine, Victoria.

At age 14, he moved from Coleraine to Melbourne to pursue a career as an apprentice jockey, training under Phil Burke at Flemington.

Rode his final winner as a jockey, a horse named Farquhar, at Caulfield. He soon transitioned into horse breaking, citing the physical toll of maintaining "jockey weight."

Commenced his career as a Clerk of the Course at Flemington Racecourse.

Appointed as the Chief Clerk of the Course.

Led in his first Melbourne Cup winner, Rain Lover, following the horse's second consecutive victory.

Led in the Melbourne Cup winner Gala Supreme—a horse he had personally broken in years prior.

The only year he missed leading in a Melbourne Cup winner due to recovering from knee surgery.

Renowned for his "gentle touch," he educated generations of thoroughbreds, show horses, and Clydesdales.

Accompanied more winners back to the mounting yard than any other Clerk of the Course in history.

His sons, Shane and Peter, continue the tradition as Clerks of the Course, and his daughter, Sheralee, remains a prominent horsewoman.

Marked 50 years of breaking horses at his historic stables on Crown Street, Flemington.

Officiated his final Melbourne Cup, leading in the winner Fiorente before his official retirement from the role.

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his service to the horse racing industry.

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) announced the naming of "Patterson Avenue" at Flemington Racecourse, a permanent tribute to the family’s legacy.

Passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy carried on by his sons, Peter and Shane.

A memorial service was held in his honor at the Flemington Racecourse Mounting Yard.