The Ballarat racing community is in mourning after the sudden passing of Rohan Cosgriff this week.
The 17-year-old son of Ballarat trainer Anthony Cosgriff shared his father’s passion for horses and loved spending his weekends at the country racetracks.
“He was a big part of the stable,” Cosgriff professed.
“He played footy all winter and went to the races all summer.
“To say he loved his racing probably doesn’t even cover it.
“All the pictures we have of him leading the horses around at the races he just looked so happy to be there.”
A talented local footballer at the Waubra Football Netball Club, he was integral part of Cosgriff’s stables in the mornings and on raceday.
While not being able to make it to the Warracknabeal races on Monday, having to attend St Patrick’s College where he was in Year 11, Cosgriff said his son was one of the first to make contact after Helen’s Boy broke his maiden at start 16.
“He was best on ground last Saturday and we trained a winner on Monday,” Cosgriff said.
“He snuck down to the toilets at school to watch the race on his phone and he sent me a very happy message after the horse won.
“He loved strapping at the races and anytime we could get a winner he was delighted.
“We are a family run stable and everyone is involved.
“His strappers pass arrived in the post today for the new season which just broke our hearts all over again."
The funeral will be at St Patrick's Cathedral in Ballarat at 12.30pm on Monday August 8.
If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Help is also available via Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 and Ballarat Headspace on 5304 4777.
Rohan Cosgriff with father Anthony at the Woolamai picnic races (Image: PicnicBet.com)