Vale Colin McKenna | RACING.COM

Colin McKenna, the billionaire meat processor who built a racing empire from Victoria’s western districts, died on Sunday after a short battle with illness.

McKenna’s meat processing company, The Midfield Group, which he founded, announced his death mid-morning on Sunday.

“It is with heavy hearts that the McKenna family wishes to offer their condolences to our founder, fearless leader and mentor to so many who passed away this morning alongside his family after a short illness.”

His death comes as a tragic blow to the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry in which he invested heavily and made lifelong friends with many participants.

McKenna’s iconic green and blue horizontal stripes have been ridden to victory in landmark races across the country over the past decade, including by Caulfield Cup and VRC Oaks heroine Jameka and Toorak Handicap winner Attrition.

He was also part of the group that won Group 1 races in both hemispheres with the merchant navy sprinter.

But it was in Warrnambool, 20km from his home town of Woolsthorpe, where McKenna wanted the most success.

Jump racing was one of his passions and he owned double Grand Annual Steeplechase winner Regina Coeli with trainer Ciaron Maher and his family.

Maher also trained McKenna’s Galleywood Hurdle hero Big Blue and won the Jericho Cup with the McKenna-bred Wil John.

An annual fundraising event at McKenna’s Woosthorpe pub on the eve of the May Racing Carnival has raised nearly $400,000 for various charities over the past three years.

In 2021, McKenna was appointed a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to the community.