The patriarch of Hawkes- bury racing was farewelled in a moving ceremony at St Monica's Catholic Church in Richmond yesterday, after losing his battle with cancer last week.

Before the ceremony, Mr McCabe's coffin was taken via Hawkesbury Race Club, where he had been chairman for 17 years, for one last visit to the hallowed turf he was so dedicated to.

As an act of respect, HRC staff formed a guard of honour to offer a final farewell to a man they all called 'friend'.

More than 500 mourners from all walks of life packed into St Monica's, gathering to pay their respects to Mr McCabe and his family.

His daughter Tara spoke of her father's childhood, long-time love of horses and his devotion to his family.

"His passion and purpose in life was working with Throughbreds, but above all he loved his family," she said.

"You couldn't ask for a better man in your life."

Mr McCabe dedicated his working life to the Thorou- ghbred industry at a young age, beginning as a stablehand and trackwork rider before moving into management positions at Hobart- ville Stud, Princes Farm, and finally the Ingham-owned Belmont Park, where he ser- ved as managed for 26 years.

Never one to sit on the side- line, Mr McCabe became inv- olved in the Hawkesbury Race Club 44 years ago.

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