3 minute read

The South Australian racing industry is mourning the loss of Morphettville horseman Ken Sweeney who passed away overnight.

Ken Sweeney trained almost 1600 winners during his successful career which included 10 at Group 3 level and 20 Listed race victories.He is best remembered for his deeds with Riziz, who won 15 of 72 race starts and earnt more than $1m in prizemoney, his brilliant record on the track rewarded with the Riziz Series named in honour in the spring.

Riziz won an Adelaide Guineas early in his career and competed in the highest level on numerous occasions running seventh behind Platelet in 2013 Goodwood before arguably the best run of his career when he finished third behind Smokin' Joey in the 2014 edition.

He also tackled the 2015 Goodwood won by Flamberge before running down the track behind Vega Magic in the 2017 edition.Sweeney was an amateur jockey before becoming a leading trainer in the Riverina region of New South Wales.
He moved to Flemington to further his career before making Morphettville his home.

He also enjoyed plenty of success with Purple Curse who won 20 races in the late 80's and early 90's.

Sweeney will be sorely missed.