‘This is awful news.’

The racing world is in mourning after the death of much-loved stayer, Precedence.

The horse racing world is mourning with the passing of much-loved stayer Precedence, who has died at the age of 20.

A true crowd favourite, Precedence carved out a reputation as one of the toughest and most reliable gallopers of his era.

Trained by the legendary Bart Cummings, he holds a special place in Australian racing history as the Cups King’s final runner in the 2014 Melbourne Cup.

Across a durable and admirable career, Precedence recorded 10 wins from 69 starts and won almost $2 million in prize money.

He earned respect not just for his victories but for his consistency, resilience, and willingness to compete at the highest level.

Whether contesting major staying races or grinding it out in tough company, he embodied the grit that defines Australia’s great stayers.

While he did not win the Melbourne Cup, he finished in the top 10 of the race three times from four starts. In his final start in the Race that Stops the Nation, he landed an amirable PB with a sixth-placed finish.

“I know the horse didn’t win a Melbourne Cup, but he won a lot of hearts on his way to competing in four of them,” James Cummings once remarked about the beloved galloper.

Famous racing writer Patrick Bartley once said Precedence “possessed a proud carriage, impeccably proportioned physique, and exemplified the epitome of a magnificent racehorse”.

“Vale Precedence. Sad news today with the passing of a crowd favourite at age 20,” 7Horse Racing said on social media.

Horse racing presenter Caroline Searcy said: “Very sad to hear of the loss of the wonderful Bart Cummings trained Precedence … looked after so beautifully by Fi McIntyre (respected show horse rider and rehoming expert) in his years since racing.

“Ran in four Melbourne Cups .. bought and managed for Dato Tan Chin Nam at Duncan Ramage and loved by Reg and the Cummings’ staff. Dear boy.”

Responding to Searcy’s tribute, racing identity Kate Goodrich said: “Oh Caroline this is awful news, Fiona adored that boy and did such a great job with him promoting OTTers (Off-The-Track Thoroughbreds).

A fan said: “He was a favourite of many a racing fan. RIP.”