The racing world is mourning the passing of millionaire businessman and thoroughbred supremo Jack Ingham who died aged 74 after a long battle with illness.

With his younger brother Bob, Ingham established one of the country's largest privately-owned companies producing more than a third of Australia's poultry.

Inghams Enterprises employs more than 6,000 people and has assets of almost $1 billion, much of which the brothers have reinvested in their true passion, thoroughbred racing and breeding.

Their distinctive cerise colours have been worn with pride by many jockeys aboard many great horses.

Darren Beadman rode their best horse Octagonal to memorable victories in the mid-1990s and in the past year has been on the next best, Octagonal's son Lonhro, the winner of a host of Group One races.

In the season which finished just last week, Beadman set a Sydney riding record attributing 70 per cent of his wins to the Inghams.

"It's really tough losing someone you love and someone who has been a good friend and supporter," Beadman said.

"He's been a real heavyweight in my career in terms of support and the opportunities he's given me and I'm honoured and grateful to have shared part of his life."

Corey Brown, who won the premiership the year before, was quick to pay homage to the man who helped shape his life in racing.

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