Jack first attended Flemington Racecourse in the 1930s, igniting a love of racing that would last a lifetime. He witnessed greats including Bernborough race in the 1940s, before his early passion for racing evolved into a career and in 1947 he took up a job as race caller where he called seven Melbourne Cups. In 2011 he was awarded life membership of the VRC, recognising his long association with Flemington.
While he was a regular sight around Flemington, it was in the country where his legend grew. His flair for calling made him a mainstay of many country and regional race tracks, most notably at Gunbower where he called a record 60 Cups – an achievement that earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Jack dedicated his life to racing as a race caller, broadcaster and journalist, and was recognised for his service to the sport he loved in 1992 with an Order of Australia Medal.
In 2020 the Country Racing Media Award was re-named in his honour, becoming the Jack Styring Media Award, acknowledging his lifetime service of regional racing – a fitting tribute for the man known as the voice of country racing.
VRC Chairman Neil Wilson said Jack was an irreplaceable part of racing, Flemington and the VRC.
“Jack was a true gentleman of our sport, and loved by all that had the privilege of knowing him,” Mr Wilson said.
“His genial nature meant he formed countless friendships at Flemington over many decades, with everyone from fellow VRC members to event staff and racing participants.
“His inimitable style in the caller’s box endeared him to generations of racing fans, drawing crowds to rural tracks at Gunbower and Hanging Rock, hoping to hear one of his trademark Styring-isms.
“In recent years Jack had been a valued member of the media contingent and the Flemington Mounting Yard will never be the same without him. We will all miss him dearly.
“The VRC extends its deepest condolences to Jack’s extended family.”
