Matt Stewart
Total 63 Posts
‘Like polishing a china doll’ - Pateman’s Warrnambool comeback amid jumps racing’s delicate future
As jumps racing embarks on another comeback from the brink, Steve Pateman, a key figure in its previous revival 15 years ago, plots his own return to Warrnambool, the heartland of the sport he has made his own.
‘Looking beyond perfection’ – Chris Waller on the pressure to be the best
The Straight’s Matt Stewart wanted to ask champion trainer Chris Waller about dealing with pressure. What came back was a 25-minute unfiltered voice message reply which sets out the challenge Waller faces every day to meet his own very high standards.
Northern exposure – Is Bendigo Victorian racing’s sleeping giant?
Bendigo will be the Victorian racing spotlight with its standalone meeting. As training becomes increasingly decentralised, the opportunity is there for the track tagged the “Nursery of Champions” to become one of the major hubs of the industry.
Stars and gripes - Canadian racing industry’s existential threat
In the same week Canadian champion Moira makes her Australian debut in the Doncaster Mile, the thoroughbred industry in her home country is facing an existential threat from the looming imposition of US tariffs.
'It’s not rocket science' - How a chance Melbourne meeting with John Messara sparked Haggas’ Sydney raids
UK trainer William Haggas once considered a permanent base in Australia and with a strike-rate in Sydney to match any local trainer, it is little wonder. On the eve of his latest chase for autumn riches, Haggas tells Matt Stewart he is ready to upset the Australian apple cart once again.
Keeping up with Annabel – The ambition driving Australia’s biggest training partnership
Annabel Neasham’s training career took off like a rocket, but the addition of partner Rob Archibald’s name on the stable’s door at the start of this season has allowed another burst of growth. Young and ambitious, the pair told Matt Stewart they have no plans to slow down.
A good bloke, a champion trainer and a huge presence – Racing mourns the loss of Mike Moroney
Mike Moroney’s passion for racing and life was unbridled. His family and friends, including leviathan owner Rupert Legh, will have to learn to live without his substantial presence after his death this week.