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Thoroughbred Breeders Australia is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Basil Nolan Jr of Queensland’s Raheen Stud.

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Basil Nolan Jr of Queensland’s Raheen Stud.

TBA chief executive Tom Reilly said everybody who knew Basil would be mourning his loss.

“On behalf of the directors and staff of TBA we extend our deepest sympathies to the Nolan family.

"Basil was one of the industry’s true gentleman. Not only was he a great horseman but, more importantly, he was a warm and generous man who always seemed to have a smile on his face.

“He was also a devoted father of four and it was always a highlight to have a chat to Basil and his children when Raheen had a draft to sell.

“I’m sure anyone who had dealings with Basil will be grieving his loss and that the whole breeding and racing community will be thinking of the Nolan family at this difficult time.”

Nolan, 45, was killed in a machinery accident on the Raheen Stud property at Gladfield near Warwick late on Melbourne Cup day.

He was found by a fellow worker trapped in hay baling machinery. The worker administered CPR after Basil Jr suffered critical injuries but he could not be revived and died at the scene.

He ran Raheen Stud, one of Queensland’s most successful thoroughbred nurseries, alongside his father Basil Nolan Snr, mother Diane and wife Natalie.

He is survived by his wife Natalie and four young children.