Having experienced enormous highs and lows of racing as a jockey and a trainer, Chris Munce knows he can rebound from the injury setback to his star colt Cool Archie this week. The feeling is slightly different this time, shared with his children Corey and Caitlin, who are key parts of his training business.
Bill Gibbins’ energy, vision and resources created a bridge across 100 years of Australian history. After his death this week, Matt Stewart reflects on how “the dearest book Gibbins ever read” became the inspiration for a renewed connection between racing and Australian military history.
With news that Bill Vlahos has been released from prison, Matt Stewart reflects on how the one-time prominent syndicator’s world came crashing down in the aftermath of his record-breaking $5 million purchase of Black Caviar’s ill-fated brother Jimmy.
The racing world may have been waiting for Mitch Beer to ‘grow up’ but while he may now be 37, have a burgeoning training operation, a new co-trainer and a long-term partner, he tells Matt Stewart he is as committed as ever to enjoying the ride.
In an era of scale and super stables, Joe Pride has forged his own path. He has avoided imports, and rarely races two-year-olds, but as Matt Stewart writes, Pride continues to punch above his weight and produce stars of the turf.
Two years spent learning under Bart Cummings more than three decades ago provided a foundation for Danny O’Brien’s approach to training. He tells Matt Stewart that philosophy has been front and centre in the success of red-hot VRC Oaks favourite Getta Good Feeling.
George Smith, who died this week aged 91, left an indelible mark on the Australian thoroughbred industry. Matt Stewart reflects on the life of a man of very humble origins whose astute eye for a potential champion underwrote the success of some of Australian biggest trainers.
John Bunting is rarely in the racing spotlight but as Matt Stewart found out, the highly regarded farrier is an integral cog in keeping our thoroughbreds in their best form.
In a McDonalds carpark, by the side of the Hume Highway, Terry Henderson did the bloodstock deal that would spark a path to becoming one of the world’s most successful syndicators. Matt Stewart charts the OTI journey.
A year on from the demise of racing in Singapore, Matt Stewart catches up with the horsemen who were scattered across the world by a decision that ended a 182-year industry with a stroke of a pen.
