“I love racing because anybody can win, it puts everyone on a level playing field. It’s something for everyone to share.”
What does your Fred profile say?
I love racing because anybody can win, it puts everyone on a level playing field. It’s something for everyone to share.
Everyone has a story about getting into racehorse ownership - what's yours?
I worked for AAMI Insurance for many years and would attend the Flemington Carnival in the Birdcage and found myself leaving the marquees going out and looking at the horses. I love horses, talking to trainers and strappers, and looking up at the stands at owners, wondering what winning a race felt like.
I fell in love with Black Caviar, so off the back of that, I bought my first share in a horse off the same cross as her. I didn’t know what I was looking for, but getting caught up in the whole Black Caviar hysteria, I decided to take the plunge.
What's been your most memorable experience as an owner so far?
Going to Royal Ascot with Brazen Beau has to be it. It was one of out of the box and a once in a lifetime opportunity. The whole pomp and pageantry and having been there with family and friends and owners, Beau had an entourage of over 100 people.
Seeing the Queen come up the track in her coach and probably being about 5m away from her in the mounting yard after the race was surreal, and Beau ran a huge gallant second in the Royal Jubilee. The trip and build up to the race and the talk about Beau around the track was incredible.
Godolphin in Newmarket was where my picture was taken. We got to visit him there a few days before the race where he was being looked after and the whole experience was incredible. We were in the Royal Enclosure even though he came second, and we were incredibly proud of him. He was the first horse since Black Caviar to run at Royal Ascot, the talk of the town.
If you could own any horse in the world (past or present) which one would it be?
It would be Black Caviar, I have a thing for sprinters.
We know it’s impossible to stop at one, what's your ownership stable looking like now?
At one point it was 10 – 11 but at the moment it’s only 5 racing but I also own a broodmare, Calibah Flame, who has also just had a foal in Tasmania to Alpine Eagle. One of my 5 is also out of the same broodmare and he should race shortly. All my horses are trained by the Feeks.
How do you decide which horses to get involved with?
Generally I look at the stallion. I have to have a liking for the stallion and then from there, basically I go on type. Also the people I get involved with in the horse and also the trainers are equally as important too.
Anything you didn’t know at the start of your ownership journey that you wished you knew?
Make sure you do your research early on. From the start, you need to think about where the horse will go post racing career as a responsible owner. You also need to accept that if you don’t have a big share, then you may not have much say in what happens during the horses career so be prepared for that.
Do you want to be in our next owner spotlight? Email [email protected] to get involved.
