Matt Stewart
Total 29 Posts
“I’ve never seen a horse whisperer like him” – The Flemington legend of John Patterson
John “Patto” Patterson, Flemington’s legendary clerk of the course, is gravely ill. Matt Stewart reflects on the remarkable racing life of a man who was the greatest horseman Bart Cummings ever knew.
Hitting the slot – Australasia’s pop-up race obsession
Slot races are changing the face of racing, pacing and chasing in Australia and New Zealand and, as Matt Stewart reports, the concept and the innovation it drives, show no sign of slowing.
Life in the Land of the Giants - the mega stables and their impact on racing
The number of trainers in Australia is shrinking, while the size of the mega stables continues to grow. Where does it end up? Matt Stewart thinks harness racing provides an answer.
Training in paradise – Eustace‘s Hong Kong adventure is ready to launch
Some days David Eustace can hardly believe he is embarking on a training career in Hong Kong. He told Matt Stewart that he is approaching the challenge with a balance of caution and ambition.
‘The one constant in their life’ – The unbreakable bond between horse and strapper
Donna Fisher cried for two days straight when she realised Black Caviar’s end was near. The strapper and the unbeaten mare shared an unbreakable bond during her racing days, a relationship mirrored with champion racehorses and their strappers the world over.
‘Labour in vain?’ - Victoria faces reality of being jumps racing’s last bastion
As the Victorian jumps season nears its end, and New Zealand puts the format under review, Matt Stewart reflects on Racing Victoria being the exception rather than the rule.
Crocs, bull sharks, oil and sand – The Darwin difference
Training at Darwin’s Fannie Bay has its fair share of unique challenges but legendary horseman Gary Clarke tells Matt Stewart ahead of Monday’s Darwin Cup that he wouldn’t be anywhere else.