Matt Stewart

Chief De Beers’ elevation to the Queensland Hall of Fame is a fitting reflection of his amazing deeds on the track. But as Matt Stewart reports, his legend only grew when he left his racing career behind him.

The reminders of his own mortality and that of those around him have been everywhere for Robbie Griffiths. He tells Matt Stewart that since losing three of his closest friends in a 12-month period, he has allowed himself time to take the foot off the accelerator.

As the feats of Makybe Diva are celebrated at Flemington this week with the race named in her honour, the jockey who was an intrinsic part of her success believes that it’s time to change the weight allowance given to fillies and mares.

Three brothers have embarked on an epic road trip with their horses to this week’s Birdsville races, ticking off a bucket-list item. The lesson from their own hometown is that you can never take for granted racing will be there forever.

The recent death of Jock McArthur, a former steeplechase jockey, raconteur, and the man behind the infamous and short-lived Meningoort Cup, held special significance for Matt Stewart.

Part-owner Neil Werrett was heartbroken when Black Caviar died 12 months ago, but the continued success of her remarkable family has been some solace for he and the crew of friends who raced the unbeaten superstar.

Michael Freedman was still in high school when the Freedman brothers emerged as a new force in Australian racing. Forty years later, the youngest Freedman is driving the latest chapter, with the help of his new assistant, Hall of Fame brother Lee.