South African winemaker and horseracing giant, Graham Beck, died in London at the age of 80, leaving behind four wine farms and two stud farms, one in South Africa and one in America.

Beck owned some of the kings and queens of the South African turf and multiple championship winning stud farm, Highlands in the Western Cape. Beck also owned Gainsway in the United States.

Beck’s body is being flown to Israel today for burial.

Graham Beck's wife, Rhona, who was at his side when he died yesterday.

Mike Sharkey, manager of Highlands Farm Stud in the Western Cape was in a sombre mood as one can imagine when SAHorseracing.COM spoke to him, "Racing has lost a doyen, how can you replace a man like that, a true gentlemen, he touched a lot of people in horseracing. He will leave a huge gap."

"He will be buried on Friday, and a memorial service will be held in Cape Town about 30 days time.

"Best wishes his family, son Anthony and his wife as well as his five grandchildren and everything of the best. Highlands is a sad place today.

"The Highlands family is going to miss him greatly. The farm carries on as usual," he concluded.

Graeme Hawkins spoke to SAHorseracing.COM about this giant of a man, "A generous, larger than life man with a great sense of humour. He was passionate about breeding and racing horses and the industry was all the richer as a result - Graham Beck's passing leaves a massive void."

Hassen Adams, Vice-Chairperson of Gold Circle, "Very, very sad news, I knew Graham for a long time, he allowed some space for me during the apartheid era and I could speak to him about any horse details and he as there to give me advice, he was a man who had the communities around his farm at heart, they benefited from his philanthropy in terms of education and items and improved their lives. I shared a boat with him, for a while and I was amazed at his zest for life."

"He was pivotal in establishing the industry from a breeding point of view especially when he brought in top mares to improve the breed," concluded Adams.

Rian Du Plessis, Group CEO of Phumelela Gaming and Leisure, said, "Very sad to learn of his passing. He was a doyen of the industry and really sad to learn of the news, all at Phumelela are sad and disappointed at the news. We wish his family the best at this time."

Ashraf Mohamed, former Chair of Gold Circle Western Cape and Director of Gold Circle, "I always referred to Graham Beck as the "don" of racing and such was his esteem no one in the racing industry would have taken umbrage at that title. Indeed Graham has left a legacy that would be hard to equal. We wish his family strength in this time of their bereavement."

Vidrik Thurling, Chairperson of Gold Circle Western Cape, said, "For me Graham Beck was an iconic investor in the South African horseracing industry that we were most privileged to have as he afforded us the opportunity of having the highest quality of international bloodstock not only to race here but also enhance our genetic pool. One only has to think of Enchanted Dollar, the American-born mother of superstar National Currency or more recently the champion female and Durban July winner Dancer's Daughter who will no doubt have a significant impact on the stud book in future. Graham Beck touched the lives of everyone in horseracing in some way through breeding, ownership and sponsorship. On behalf of the regional board of Gold Circle in the Western Cape our sincerest condolences to his loved ones."

Beck was in England for the past two months. He enjoyed spending time at his home in Kensington, London, in order to avoid the worst of  Cape Town’s winter. Beck is survived by his wife of 50 years and his United States based son, Antony, his daughter-in-law and five grandchildren.

Tributes have poured in from around the world.

NTRA President/CEO Alex Waldrop: “The Thoroughbred industry lost an immensely accomplished and respected figure today in Graham Beck, and the world lost a renowned businessman and philanthropist whose reach extended around the globe. Our deepest condolences go out to his son Antony, and the entire Beck family.”

“Our industry mourns the loss of Graham Beck today. He was a great businessman, competitor and horseman. He lived life to the fullest and was a joy to be around. He loved Gainesway Farm and was an incredible steward of the land. More importantly, though, he was wonderful human being who fostered great devotion and admiration among those who were associated with him. His generosity touched many and will be a significant part of his legacy. Our thoughts go out to his wife Rhona, his son Antony and their family during this difficult time,” said Keeneland President and CEO Nick Nicholson.