The South Australian racing community mourns the loss of two esteemed figures: Hall of Fame jockey Des Coleman and respected journalist Dennis Markham.
Coleman, 92, passed away Monday surrounded by family. With over 2000 wins, his illustrious career saw him riding until 58.
Internationally acclaimed, Coleman won three premierships in Singapore and found success in Turkey, Malaysia, England, and Ireland.
He claimed numerous South Australian feature races, including three Adelaide Cups, two Goodwoods, and an SA Derby.
His last Adelaide Cup win came in 1982 on Dealer’s Choice, and he had a memorable partnership with New Atlantis, finishing fifth in the Golden Slipper.
Coleman was inducted into the South Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2005.
Dennis Markham, who chronicled much of Coleman’s career, passed away last Friday after a long illness.
Markham was the Racing Editor of the Adelaide Advertiser and had tenures with the Age in Melbourne and on Adelaide Radio.
His contributions to racing journalism were profound and enduring.