Father Dillon was Chaplain to the racing fraternity from 1992 until his retirement in 2022, and presided over the annual Racing Mass that is held at St Francis’s Church in the centre of Melbourne on the Sunday before the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
He was a regular attendee at Flemington Racecourse, where he conducted the annual ‘Blessing of the Track’ ceremony and was very close to a great number of racing participants, especially those who needed support through tough times.
VRC Chairman Neil Wilson paid his respects on behalf of the club.
“We are saddened by the recent passing of Fr Brendan Dillon. Fr Brendan was a great supporter of racing and provided immeasurable compassionate support to those in need within the racing industry,” Mr Wilson said.
“He visited many sick and injured jockeys and trackwork riders, along with their families, providing pastoral care and his unwavering support.
“He was there for the key moments in the lives of many people in the racing industry, performing weddings, christenings and funerals for countless participants, but above all he was known as the epitome of a good human being.
“He was also awarded Life Membership to the VRC for his selfless support of the racing industry.
“Our thoughts go out to the broader Dillon family who have made a strong contribution to racing over an extended period of time.”
