Episódios
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Andrew Le Jeune speaks with trainer Richard Freedman about the Melbourne Cup, the importance of vet protocols and the rise of the mega stable. Freedman reflects on the glory days of "F.B.I." and the challenges faced by the next generation of trainers.
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In this engaging conversation, legendary jockey Brett Prebble shares insights from his illustrious career, including his transition to a media role, the emotional challenges of retirement and his intense rivalry with Douglas Whyte in Hong Kong. He reflects on the importance of connections with horses and trainers, particularly John Size, and discusses the qualities that make a champion horse. Prebble's candid anecdotes and reflections provide a unique perspective on Hong Kong racing.
Brett shares his experiences as a jockey in Hong Kong, discussing notable horses like Sacred Kingdom, Bullish Luck, and Lucky Nine. He reflects on the influence of international jockeys, the pressure of racing in Hong Kong, and the evolution of riding styles. Additionally, he offers insights into his son Thomas's journey into racing, emphasising the importance of discipline and resilience in the sport.
Takeaways
- Brett Prebble is a celebrated jockey with over 800 wins in Hong Kong.
- Transitioning to media offers a new perspective on racing analysis.
- The emotional impact of retirement can be profound for athletes.
- Connections with trainers and horses are vital in a jockey's career.
- Rivalry with Douglas Whyte: intense and personal.
- John Size is recognised as an exceptional trainer in Hong Kong.
- Champion horses exhibit unique qualities that set them apart.
- The importance of maintaining energy levels in racehorses.
- Good jockeys make fewer mistakes, leading to better performance.
- The racing community is tightly knit, often leading to personal rivalries.
- Sacred Kingdom was an exceptional sprinter with a unique turn of foot.
- Brett Prebble had the privilege of riding some of the best horses in Hong Kong.
- Lucky Nine was a remarkable horse that faced many challenges but achieved great success.
- The camaraderie among jockeys can lead to mutual respect and support despite fierce competition.
- Different jockeys bring unique styles and techniques to the sport, influenced by their backgrounds.
- The pressure of racing in Hong Kong is intense, with high scrutiny from the public and officials.
- Brett Prebble's relationship with Olivier Deleuze highlights the importance of mentorship in racing.
- Adapting riding styles is crucial for success in different racing environments.
- The culture of racing in Hong Kong creates a celebrity status for successful jockeys.
- Brett Prebble is proud of his son Thomas's dedication and discipline in pursuing a career in racing. -
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In this episode of the Idol Horse Podcast, host Andrew Le Jeune speaks with jockey Oisin Murphy about his recent successes, including his fourth British Jockey' Championship. Murphy opens up on balancing commitments across various racing circuits, the importance of setting goals and the physical demands of being a jockey. The star jockey also shares insights on the upcoming Breeders' Cup, some of the best horses he has ridden and the differences in racing rules across countries, particularly the contentious whip rules.
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Racing in Macau stopped six months ago but former trainer Geoff Allendorf still goes to the stables every morning, just like he has since childhood, taking care of his horses.
Allendorf’s three decades-plus career in Asian racing ended when the Macau Jockey Club ran its last races on March 30 this year but Allendorf remains here on a promise to owners and through his own love of horses.
“The owners all went into a panic because they love their horses,” Allendorf told the Idol Horse Podcast. “So I said to them, I'll guarantee I will stay in the Macau Jockey Club (MJC) until your horse leaves Macau.”
We also ask Geoff about his career as a talented jockey and trainer – his journey from a childhood in far North Queensland to top trainer Macau is one of the more interesting in world racing. Geoff is a great character and storyteller. He was riding trackwork at 12, he was an apprentice in a golden era of Sydney racing, he rode in the colourful Hong Kong scene in the late 80s and won three jockeys’ premierships in Macau during the 1990s. We also ask Geoff about the day he nearly beat the mighty Kingston Town at Rosehill. All that and more on the Idol Horse Podcast.
01:02 The Promise: Geoff Allendorf's Commitment to his Owners and Their Horses
04:29 Lessons from Macau Racing's Decline
06:52 Memories of a Thriving Racing Era
07:50 The Greats of Hong Kong Racing and What Made Tony Cruz So Good?
09:18 "The X Factor" Jockeys and Trainers
12:40 Nearly Beating a Legend: Kingston Town
14:34 Life After Training: What's Next for Geoff?
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When it was announced that Mark Newnham would be headed to Hong Kong at age 55 he was adamant it was a 'one way ticket' and he would train there until he retired.
Mark had worked in Sydney racing for the previous 40 years, in stables, as a mature-aged apprentice, then jockey, assistant and trainer, so we thought he'd be the perfect person to provide some perspective on racing in New South Wales, where prizemoney is booming, but independent and educated industry views are sometimes hard to find.
Mark also talks about the whip: do jockeys need to carry a whip in a race as an instrument of safety? He tells us why racing should always place the horse as hero when it comes to marketing, we touch on Australian racing's staffing issues, marketing racing careers and Mark's philosophy in guiding apprentice jockeys, something he was famous for at Randwick.
Then there are Mark's influences: the eccentric genius of Gai Waterhouse and her superstar Pierro, Bart Cummings and Mark's father John, an old-school newspaper man who introduced his son to racing and the characters of Sydney horse racing media at a young age.
00:00 Introduction to Mark Newnham's journey03:02 The unique challenges of training in Hong Kong
06:05 Prizemoney is great, but what would Mark change about racing in New South Wales?
09:04 Staffing issues in the racing industry
11:53 Mark's philosophy on guiding apprentices
14:46 Mark Newnham's career as a jockey
18:12 Influences: The 'eccentric genius' of Gai Waterhouse, Bart Cummings and Mark's father John
21:00 What makes a champion like Pierro different?
23:56 The Future of horse racing and promoting the horse as hero
26:53 Whip use: is the whip necessary for jockey and horse safety?
29:56 Goals for the upcoming Hong Kong season
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A conversation with Andrew Rule, an accomplished crime author and investigative journalist, covers his passion for horse racing and his involvement in the film 'A Horse Called Winx'. The film tells the story of the legendary racehorse Winx and her trainer Chris Waller.
Rule shares his experience in horse racing journalism and the changes he has witnessed in the industry. He also shares his views on the challenges the sport faces in the modern age and what needs to be done to combat them.
Afterwards, Idol Horse Editor Michael Cox chats with journalist Cameron Williams, who conducted the interviews for the film with Winx's trainer Chris Waller and regular jockey Hugh Bowman.
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David Eustace faces a daunting task ahead of his first season in Hong Kong. He speaks to Andrew Le Jeune about his plans for the 2024/25 season, why he will be taking a patient approach and the trainers he has sought advice from in Hong Kong.
02:23 David's family connection to Hong Kong racing.
06:04 Adapting training methods to Hong Kong.
09:20 Seeking advice from rival trainers.
14:12 Bloodstock strategy.
17:16 First season goals. -
Idol Horse tackles the biggest events on the world horse racing calendar. Expect to hear interviews from the biggest names in the sport and insight, breaking news and forthright opinion from the Idol Horse team.
