Obituary: Tributes flow for champion Newcastle jockey Bill Wade (1929-2020)

The 13-time winner of the Newcastle jockey's premiership died on Thursday morning after almost a decade at the Amaroo Aged Care Facility in Charlestown.

He was 91.

Wade was inducted into the Newcastle and Hunter Racing Hall Of Fame last year alongside son and Luskin Star jockey John as well as Novocastrian trainer Kris Lees.

"Bill was retired before my memory, but I know how high a regard he was held in," Lees said.

"He was a gentleman and I really enjoyed his company. It was an honour to be inducted into the hall of fame with him."

Former jockey Allan Robinson lived with Wade and late wife Olga across the road from the Broadmeadow racecourse when undergoing his apprenticeship. Robinson had been visiting his former mentor recently.

"I left home when I was 14 and moved in with Mr and Mrs Wade," Robinson said.

"I spent seven years with them and wouldn't change any of it. I wouldn't be who I am today without them. I loved them.

"I've already got Olga tattooed on my finger, I will probably get Bill tattooed on another finger now."

He was born William Earl (W.E) Wade in the Cessnock suburb of Bellbird in 1929 and, as a teenager, became an apprentice with Maitland trainer Harold Judd.

Wade went onto claim 1723 winners during his decorated career, which was cut short in 1972 when injured riding an unraced two-year-old horse in between events at Gunnedah.

His highlight in the saddle was saluting in the group 1 Doomben 10,000 of 1954 on board Nagpuni.

The following year Wade helped trainer Ray Wallace pick up his first metropolitan winner with Duke Of Fields, which was backed from 100-1 into 5-1 at Canterbury.

He collected four major prizes at one annual North Coast carnival, three Ramornie Handicap features and one Grafton Cup.

Wade recovered from a life-threatening fall at the same venue in 1965 and upon his return from injury rode 18 winners in as many days.

He also enjoyed a stint competing in Sri Lanka.

Wade later took up training and would often frequent race meetings, including Wyong via train, as a spectator.

"He just loved the races," Newcastle racing commentator Gary Harley said.

"He was a great fellow, quiet bloke and a terrific rider.

"When you talk about Newcastle, provincial and country jockeys he's in the same breath as Wayne Harris and Robert Thompson. They are more modern day, but Bill Wade is every bit as good as them."

The Bill Wade Medal, awarded to the jockey with the best winning strike rate in Newcastle each season, is named in his honour.

Wade is survived by his children John and Sue, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised but it's expected to be a private ceremony due to COVID-19.

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