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South Australian racing is in mourning following the passing of South-East identity Bob McKay on Wednesday night aged 77.

Bob McKay's passion for the thoroughbred industry spanned a lifetime owning more than 50 horses over the years, serving on the committee and as president of the Naracoorte Racing Club where he was a life member and running Marana Park Thoroughbreds.

McKay was a massive supporter of trainers from the states South-East owning a host of horses with the likes of Michael O'Leary, Sue Murphy and Peter Hardacre, his best horse Autumn Jeuney.

After starting with Michael O'Leary she won he Listed Laelia Stakes before joining David Hayes and winning the Group 2 Inglis Mile and Moonee Valley.

She returned to O'Leary winning the Group 3 Gerard Stakes and finished second in the Group 2 Queen Of The South Stakes.

Former Dux of the Apprentice Academy Emily Finnegan, who rode plenty of winners for McKay paid tribute on social media.

"Not only a great man but an incredible owner who bred lovely horses and gave me a lot of opportunity to ride lots of winners,'' Finnegan said.

"I will cherish the memories,'' she said.