A legacy
of loyalty

Born Robert Edward Laing into a storied racing family in Carrum, Victoria. He was the son of trainer Eddie Laing.

His passion for racing was ignited after a childhood visit to the Phar Lap exhibition at the Melbourne Museum.

Embarked on an apprenticeship as a jockey under his father, but his career in the saddle was cut short by injury and weight struggles.

At just 21 years of age, he obtained his official horse trainer’s license, beginning his career at the Epsom training center in Mordialloc.

Achieved his first Group 1 success when the filly Perfect Bliss won the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.

Secured his first major jumps milestone, winning the VIC Grand National Steeplechase with Vowtinsk.

Won the South Australian Derby (Group 1) with Pantani, a horse that became a stable stalwart.

Pantani won the Adelaide Cup (then a Group 1), solidifying Laing’s reputation for training elite stayers.

Won the Australian Cup at Flemington with the 50-to-1 outsider Roman Arch, one of the great upsets in the race's history.

Won three Australian Steeplechases, the Grand Annual, and Grand National titles in Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania.

Produced one of the most legendary feats in Australian jumps racing by training Sir Pentire to win the Grand Annual Steeplechase first-up after two years off the track.

One of the rare trainers to win multiple Group 1 flat races while simultaneously winning major Grand National hurdles and steeplechases.

Famously turned "cheap" horses into champions, most notably the $4,000 Victoria Derby winner Polanski.

Won the Victoria Derby at Flemington with Polanski. Laing had purchased the horse for just $4,000 as a yearling, and the victory became the signature moment of his career.

Faced a significant career hurdle when his training license was withdrawn following a bankruptcy ruling.

Survived by eight children, including sons Jack and Aaron, who have both followed in his footsteps as trainers.

Successfully regained his training license and returned to the Victorian ranks, training out of Cranbourne.

Passed away suddenly at the age of 66.

A funeral service celebrating his life was held at Cranbourne Racecourse, attended by hundreds from the racing community.