Profiles will be in a 10 question format and be with leading figures within the industry in an endeavour to give a small insight into their personality. Maybe even try and make them seem like real people instead of mythical names we only see in the paper.
Cannot emphasise enough how accommodating all participants were in giving up their time for the purpose of this and should also make mention of the efforts of Jamie Cockshutt who does the interviews and passes them on for publication.
**** Nearly all images are provided courtesy of Tasracing ****
10 Questions with Ian Abraham
Best horse seen? Popular Alm
Best horse driven/trained? Barooga Raider, Barooga Geoffrey
Favourite Horse? Barooga Minnie
Biggest win? Barooga Minnie winning the Bandbox last year
Race you want to win the most? Miracle Mile
Favourite AFL team? Essendon
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? A better time slot on Sky Channel would be great
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Be prepared to ask plenty of questions and listen
Toughest and most admired competitor? Over the years the Rattrays have been very hard to beat. I admire smaller trainers that get the job done with limited opportunities
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Alexandra Andresen and to wherever she would like to go
10 Questions with Alex Ashwood
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake, Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Gedlee, Im Corzin Terror
Favourite Horse? Mojo Major
Biggest win? Gawler Cup on Chilli Palmer
Race you want to win the most? Victoria Cup/Interdominion
Favourite AFL team? Carlton
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Improved programming and more racing would be great
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Kendall Jenner and to the Hamptons
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Work hard and listen to all the established trainers and drivers and keep very humble
Toughest and most admired competitor? Josh Aiken, Zac Phillips, Josh Duggan and Hayden Gray. We were all very competitive coming through the junior ranks and we still are today
10 Questions with Paul Ashwood
Paul Ashwood (right) with Gareth Rattray after a victory
Best horse seen? Christian Cullen
Best horse driven/trained? Our First Jewel, Majestic Emperor
Favourite Horse? Our First Jewel
Biggest win? Breeders Crown on Our First Jewel plus the Sires Stakes
Race you want to win the most? Any of the major races would be good to win
Favourite AFL team? Carlton
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? The handicapping system
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? It is hard for young participants as there is a lack of opportunity in Tasmania. If they do get the opportunity they need to work hard and listen to all advice given
Toughest and most admired competitor? Gareth Rattray is the toughest and most admired is Neville Webberley
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Elle MacPherson to a deserted island
10 Questions with Rodney Ashwood
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake, Our Sir Vancelot
Best horse driven/trained? Cool Bird as a trainer, Parawanga and Socrates as a driver
Favourite Horse? Wodjak Speedster
Biggest win? Won a few local features but really enjoyed winning the Hobart Pacing Cup this year on Remember Joe
Race you want to win the most? Tasmania Cup
Favourite AFL team? Hawthorn
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Would like to see sprint lanes at both Hobart and Launceston
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Jennifer Hawkins to Hawaii
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Look up to and respect your elder participants
Toughest and most admired competitor? Neville Webberley and Barrie Rattray
10 Questions with James Austin
James Austin (right) with trainer Ben Richardson
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake
Best horse driven/trained? Resurgent Spirit
Favourite Horse? Resurgent Spirit
Biggest win? Raider Stakes and Dandy Patch on Resurgent Spirit
Race you want to win the most? Easter Cup (hopefully 2016)
Favourite AFL team? Hawthorn
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Would be great to get away from Sunday night racing and have more Friday or Saturday meetings which would be great for the participants
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Always listen to instructions and do as you are told. Also be [repared to work hard
Toughest and most admired competitor? Ricky Duggan
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Katy Perry and take her to Paris
10 Questions with Ken Austin
Best horse seen? Halwes
Best horse driven/trained? Deemar Karotross, Smiley Lad, Derek’s Glamour
Favourite Horse? All of them have been good to me
Biggest win? Tasmanian Pacing Championship on The Pride, Tasmanian Derby and Guineas with Smiley Lad and Lea Sands won numerous races at Moonee Valley and country Victoria
Race you want to win the most? Always wanted to win the Easter Cup
Favourite Sporting team? Hawthorn
Toughest and most admired competitor? Jack Stamford, Henry Pullen, Webb Jones and the Peck family. In more recent times Neville Webberley, Barrie Rattray, Ricky Duggan and Gareth Rattray
I am also very proud of what my son James has been able to achieve with a special mention to my other son Edward and a huge part of my success has been my lovely wife Maxine
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Be great to get back to Friday night or Saturday afternoon racing as long as we had TAB coverage
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Be prepared to listen and take everything in from those who have been there and done it
Who would you take on your dream date and where? My wife on a holiday to New Zealand
10 Questions with Shelley Barnes
Best horse seen? Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Highland Pride, Angel Or Demon
Favourite Horse? My Koda Kasper
Biggest win? Angel Or Demon winning in Launceston recently rating 1.56 made me realise how good she really is, Tingara and Highland Pride both winning three races at Moonee Valley was also very special
Race you want to win the most? George Johnson would be nice with Angel Or Demon
Favourite AFL team? Richmond
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Always listen to people even if you think you know everything as you can always learn something from them
Toughest and most admired competitor? Trevor Leis is the most admired along with Doug Martin
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? I would take Baxter to the States as he would love the adventure
10 Questions with Paul Belcher
Best horse seen? Courage Under Fire, Shakamaker
Best horse driven/trained? Loves A Beach
Favourite Horse? Loves A Beach
Biggest win? Bandbox with Loves A Beach plus the Leigh Plunkett Memorial when it was an MO and better for 20k
Race you want to win the most? George Johnson
Favourite Sporting team? Collingwood
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Would be great to get back to the good old days when it was one controlling body. As since it’s gone to two bodies it’s a bloody Shambles
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Get into a good stable with plenty of horses as the more you drive the better chance you’ll have of making it
Toughest and most admired competitor? The Rattray family and it is great when I occasionally beat them. Most admired is Marc Butler because he is just a good hand with a horse and is always there for a helping hand.
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Kate Gath to Mount Wellington
10 Questions with Rod Burgess
Best horse seen? Halwes
Best horse driven/trained? Nubeena (2 x Easter Cups), Fringe Benefit (Tasmanian Derby), Junee Royal (won 8 of 10)
Favourite Horse? Ben Ean
Biggest win? Australasian Invitational Drivers race at Harold Park and the Tasmanian Derby
Race you want to win the most? another Devonport Cup
Favourite AFL team? St Kilda
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? We should have the one central track as the economic benefit would be huge for the industry
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Have income outside of the industry but if you make the right contacts and work hard then you will succeed
Toughest and most admired competitor? Terry Peck was the toughest and most admired
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Doris Day to Yonkers
10 Questions with Chester Bullock
Best horse seen? Golden Alley
Best horse driven/trained? Cardinal Nelson, Cardinal Dreamer
Favourite Horse? Cardinal Dreamer
Biggest win? Sires Produce with Cardinal Dreamer
Race you want to win the most? Easter Cup or St Marys Cup
Favourite AFL team? Collingwood
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Would like to see Tasracing and Racing Services work together for the betterment of the industry and don’t worry about their egos
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Sit back and listen and learn. Also, don’t be frightened to be critical of your own drives. Watch plenty of replays
Toughest and most admired competitor? Rattray family
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Cameron Diaz and take her to LA as she might have some pull there
10 Questions with Marc Butler
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake, Our Sir Vancelot
Best horse driven/trained? Joesashyguy
Favourite Horse? Joesashyguy
Biggest win? Tasmanian Derby, City of Launceston Cup and Golden Mile with Joesashyguy, Sweepstakes with Ark Princess
Race you want to win the most? New Norfolk Cup plus Devonport Cup
Favourite AFL team? West Coast
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? More racing which would enable more owners to get involved
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Just keep working at it, listen to your peers and ask plenty of questions
Toughest and most admired competitor? Ricky Duggan, Gavin Lang as drivers, Barrie Rattray, Neville Webberley as trainers
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Elle MacPherson to a nudist beach
10 Questions with Justin Campbell
Best horse seen? Our Sir Vancelot, Blacks A Fake, Im Themightyquinn, Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Really Ay – she won thirteen races and was also my first winning drive. Special mention to Knott Really, Really Anne and Itsalongwalkhome
Favourite Horse? Really Mal, Damitsam
Biggest win? Really Anne won the Sweepstakes, Knott Really won the St Leger, also ran the quinella in the Light Harness Cup with Really Ay and Really Anne
Race you want to win the most? Miracle Mile plus the next race I drive in
Favourite Sporting team? Sydney Swans
Toughest and most admired competitor? Neville Webberley, Ricky Duggan and Tony Petersen
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing to either Friday or Saturday and promote the industry better to get people along to the races
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Shut your mouth and open your ears and you will go a long way
Who would you take on your dream date and where? Juanita McKenzie to the New Zealand Cup
10 Questions with John Castles
Best horse seen? Popular Alm, Pure Steel, Maori’s Idol, Sinbad Bay
Best horse driven/trained? The Parisian is the best driven and trained
Favourite Horse? Shyway as he would just bring home the cheques week in, week out and had a gentle nature
Biggest wins? Snozzle won at Moonee Valley, also won the Casino Plate with Lindys Boy which was a huge thrill as was only a teenager.
Race you like to win: Like to win a few Sire Stakes races
Favourite Sporting team? Geelong
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Our training facilities up the North West Coast need a good makeover
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? They need to make their own luck and if they are dedicated they will do well
Toughest and most admired competitor? Darrell Alexander, Cedric Loone and Terry Knowles was a good mentor
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Lauren Bacall in her prime for a frothy at the Devonport Trots
10 Questions with Michael Castles
Best horse seen? Preux Chevalier, Popular Alm, Blacks A Fake
Best horse driven/trained? Gold Label was the best, Torada Power the quickest and The Count the most satisfying as won 23 races on him
Favourite Horse? The Parisian
Biggest win? Globe Derby on Torada Power, Easter Plate on The Count off 40m
Race you want to win the most? Easter Cup or Tasmania Cup
Favourite AFL team? Collingwood
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? The code share of the prize money pool needs to be greater for harness racing
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Get your own horse and show everybody what you are made of
Toughest and most admired rivals? Darrell Alexander and Terry Knowles back in the early years and more recently Barrie and Neville
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Nicole Kidman to the Academy Awards
10 Questions with Wayne Campbell
Best horse seen? Golden Alley, Tony Monarch
Best horse driven/trained? Speedy Ben – had the pleasure to drive him in track work. Riverboat Jasper is best trained
Favourite Horse? Maggie Kennedy with a special mention to Riverboat Jasper
Biggest win? Easter Cup with Riverboat Jasper and Maggie Kennedy winning the Bandbox
Race you want to win the most? Tasmania Cup
Favourite Sporting team? Carlton
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Be great to race every Friday night as a late Sunday night finish makes it hard for everybody involved
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Watch the good drivers as they are best to learn from
Toughest and most admired competitor? Barrie Rattray and Max Hadley
Who would you take on your dream date and where? Would love to take my mum if she was still around on a shopping in spree in Melbourne
10 Questions with Adrian Collins
Best horse seen: Blacks A Fake, Beautide
Best horse driven: Devendra in track work
Favourite horse: Topwestern as I won my first two races on him
Biggest wins: Latrobe Cup on Chopstix Boris and Country Guineas on One Mans Pass
Race you like to win: Tasmania Cup
Favourite sporting team: Carlton
Toughest and most admired rivals: Ricky Duggan and Rohan Hillier
The one thing you could change about Tasmanian harness racing: More stake money would be great as it could get new owners involved
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry: Work hard and make sure you listen to all advice given
Who would you take on your dream date and where: Miranda Kerr to the Caribbean
10 Questions with Steve Davis
Best horse seen? Dyama, Prancing Percy, Sinbad Bay, Popular Alm
Best horse driven/trained? Modern Ruler, Chamfer Lady
Favourite Horse? Jimaron was very special to me to kick start my career, Modern Ruler is very special to the family as a whole
Biggest win? Black Centurion won the St Marys and Ulverstone Cups, Modern Ruler winning numerous Group 3 races at Menangle was a huge thrill for both me and my wife Marnie
Race you want to win the most? Inter Dominion
Favourite AFL team? Carlton
Toughest and most admired competitor? Barrie Rattray was always very hard to beat and Phil Brooks is someone I looked up to as a youngster as he helped me get my licence. I also admired Terry Knowles in my early days
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing just makes it too hard on families and for participants who work outside of racing. Therefore, Friday and Saturday nights would be great
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Listen to your peers and be prepared to work bloody hard
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Jennifer Hawkins to the Phillipines
10 Questions with Bill Dornauf
Best horse seen? Popular Alm, Preux Chevalier
Best horse driven/trained? Another Shy is best driven, Adams Mate is best trained
Favourite Horse? Shy Ticket
Biggest win? Shy Ticket winning the Spring Cup at Harold Park, Purple Haze winning the Hobart Pacing Cup
Race you want to win the most? Easter Cup
Favourite AFL team? St Kilda
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing would be great to get away from
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Stick with it and be prepared to work hard
Toughest and most admired competitor? Tony Petersen and Neville Webberley
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Jennifer Aniston to Hawaii
10 Questions with Duncan Dornauf
Best horse seen? Our Sir Vancelot, Christian Cullen, Beautide
Best horse driven? Mister Grizzly, Miley Rose
Favourite Horse? Ubilix
Biggest win? Bandbox on Miley Rose
Race you want to win the most? Easter Cup
Favourite AFL team? Sainters and whoever plays Collingwood
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Restrict mobile races to a maximum field limit of 10 & 2 emergencies, and shorten the time between races
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Be dedicated and don’t be afraid to travel interstate/overseas to learn more
Toughest and most admired competitor? James and Gareth Rattray for what they have achieved
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Samantha Jade to the Gold Coast
10 Questions with Michael Dornauf
Best horse seen? Halwes
Best horse driven/trained? Heza Jazza is best trained, got to drive Starwes at the end of his career
Favourite Horse? Paleface Adios
Biggest win? Granny Smith twice, Easter Plate and numerous Country Cups
Race you want to win the most? Easter Cup
Favourite AFL team? St Kilda
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing as the late finishes are getting too tough for participants
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Try as hard as you can to find the right producing mare
Toughest and most admired competitor? Jack Arnold was the most admired, Neville Webberley and Wayne Rattray were the toughest
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Jennifer Hawkins to Hawaii
10 Questions with Adrian Duggan
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake, Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Defibrillator
Favourite Horse? Defibrillator, Jumpin Jack Jasper, Poker Storm, Tizyalator
Biggest win? Globe Derby Stakes on Armbro’s Revenge, Defibrillator winning two races at Moonee Valley
Race you want to win the most? Tasmania Cup
Favourite AFL team? Hawthorn
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing as just too hard on participants with young families
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Work hard and you will get every chance to be successful
Toughest and most admired competitor? Ricky Duggan and Barrie Rattray
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Elle MacPherson to the MCG to watch the mighty hawks win another flag
10 Questions with Josh Duggan
Josh Duggan (with proud mum Linda) after winning the Tasmania Cup aboard Lets Elope
Best horse seen? Beautide, Lennytheshark, Im Themightyquinn
Best horse driven/trained? Lets Elope
Favourite Horse? Rosie, a 2yo filly by Falcon Seelster/No Tar that I race with the Alford family
Biggest win? Tasmania Cup and I now have one up on my father Ricky 🙂
Race you want to win the most? Interdominion
Favourite AFL team? Carlton
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? To come back to Tasmania there would need to be more racing and opportunities
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Dead heat between Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Aniston
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Listen and learn, also don’t be afraid to ask questions
Toughest and most admired competitor? Zac Phillips, Alex Ashwood when coming through the junior ranks
10 Questions with Ricky Duggan
Ricky Duggan (left) pictured with Gareth Rattray prior to representing Tasmania at the recent Australian Driver’s Championships
Best horse seen? Elsu, Christen Me, Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Kotare Kiwi, Our Sir Jeckyl, Fleet Express, Gold Label
Favourite Horse? Fleet Express (35 wins)
Biggest win? Easter Cups, Devonport Cups, Sires Stakes, Our Sir Jeckyl in Easter Cup a particular favourite
Race you want to win the most? Tasmania Cup and Derby
Favourite AFL team? Carlton
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Get away from Sunday night racing as just too hard for participants who work outside of harness racing
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Rachel Finch to Bali
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Get out there and help as many trainers as possible and listen to all advice given!!
Toughest and most admired competitor? All pretty tough but have enjoyed the battles with Gareth Rattray over the past decade
10 Questions with Matthew Dwyer
Best horse seen? Halyer, Astral Francais
Best horse driven/trained? The Majority is best trained and have driven Halyer and Astral Francais in track work
Favourite Horse? The Majority and The Fat Controller as he was my first winner
Biggest win? Danbury Park Cup and the St Marys Cup
Race you want to win the most? Easter Cup this year hopefully and Inter Dominion
Favourite AFL team? Hawthorn
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sprint lanes would be great to see plus a prize money increase would be handy
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Listen to everybody as knowledge is the best advice you can get as there are no shortcuts
Toughest and most admired competitor? Brian Gath is most admired and the toughest is Ben Yole currently as is having a great season
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Jennifer Hawkins to Bali
10 Questions with Dick Eaves
Dick Eaves (right) with driver Ricky Duggan after a win in Hobart
Best horse seen? Halwes, Blacks A Fake, Paleface Adios
Best horse driven/trained? Kanungra Koala, Strezlecki Lady, Barynya, Halcyon Halo, Henry Halo, Hillbilly Halo, Turbo Tyson
Favourite Horse? Lord Glasgow
Biggest win? NSW Oaks with Kanungra Koala – I was fortunate enough to drive her so was special, Victorian Oaks with Barynya, also won 11 Sires Stakes finals in Tasmania
Race you want to win the most? Tasmania Cup, Easter Cup
Favourite AFL team? Hawthorn
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? I just wish the powers that be can make the right decision re kids at the races (they don’t go when races are on Sunday night so we risk losing that generation). We need to encourage as many youngsters as possible into our game
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? They need to give 100% if they want to make it in the game, if they don’t do that they will struggle. Also make sure they listen to their peers and watch plenty of replays
Toughest and most admired competitor? Neville Webberley
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Jane Wyman to New Zealand
10 Questions with Adam Emery
Adam Emery (left) with
his “man crush”
Best horse seen? Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Mon Amigo in track work, Village Driller and Dontfencemein are best trained
Favourite Horse? Secretlegacy was just a great bread and butter horse
Biggest win? Vicbred three year old Super Sires with Village Driller plus Nat drove him as well
Race you want to win the most? Devonport Cup
Favourite Sporting team? Hawthorn
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing as just makes it so hard on participants with families
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Being loyal will take you a long way
Toughest and most admired competitor? The Hillier boys are always tough to beat along with most of the trainers. I really admired Barrie and Neville locally along with Peter Manning and Andy Gath during my time in Victoria
Who would you take on your dream date and where? Jimmy Rattray to Las Vegas as he’s my man crush!
10 Questions with Natalee Emery
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake, Have Faith In Me, Christian Cullen
Best horse driven/trained? Lombo Rapida, Djerriwarrah
Favourite Horse? Camelots Raider, Village Driller
Biggest win? Victorian Super Sires on Village Driller
Race you want to win the most? Miracle Mile
Favourite AFL team? Essendon
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? It is just so hard on people with children. We need to try and get families back to the races
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Work hard, show respect and listen to your peers as you will learn plenty
Toughest and most admired competitor? Kerryn Manning is most admired by a long way, Gavin Lang and Chris Alford in my early days in Victoria were the toughest
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Matthew McConaughey to the Greek Islands
10 Questions with Dylan Ford
Best horse seen? Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Star Chamber is best driven and Play Apple Tree is best trained
Favourite Horse? Play Apple Tree
Biggest win? Group 2 Australasian Young Drivers Final on Inter Dominion day aboard Little Red Cloud
Race you want to win the most? Tasmania Cup
Favourite AFL team? Essendon
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing as it just makes it too tough for participants who have to work on Mondays
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Work hard and always listen to your peers
Toughest and most admired competitor? Ricky Duggan and Gareth Rattray
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Kim Kardashian to Vegas
10 Questions with Ross Freeman
Best horse seen: Halwes, Popular Alm
Best horse trained/driven: Deanna Troy, Tripta Heaven
Favourite horse: Collasam as he went through to open class and won plenty of races for me
Biggest wins: Devonport Cup on Tripta Heaven, it was also good to win some two year old features with Deanna Troy and Cher Mon Amour
Race you like to win: Tasmanian Oaks
Favourite sporting team: St Kilda
Toughest and most admired rivals: Neville Webberley and Barrie Rattray were tough to beat but I enjoyed beating them when I could
The one thing you could change about Tasmanian harness racing: The equality in prize money between the thoroughbred and harness codes needs to be closer as it is more of a cost for the Standardbred owners
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry: Make sure you have an education or trade to fall back on as it is a tough game to make it to the top
Who would you take on your dream date and where: Olivia Newton John to a deserted island so she couldn’t get off
10 Questions with Samantha Freeman
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake, Adore Me
Best horse driven/trained? Real River, The Family Guy, Know One
Favourite Horse? Avens and Sapphire River
Biggest win? Hobart Belmont with Avens
Race you want to win the most? Evicus Stakes
Favourite AFL team? Collingwood
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing as it makes it hard for participants to have a life outside of harness racing
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? You have to be prepared to work hard and try to get aligned to a leading stable
Toughest and most admired competitor? My father (Barry)
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Chris Hemsworth to Las Vegas
Profile – Samantha Gangell
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake, Our Waikiki Beach, Beautide
Best horse driven? Udoit, Blackjackhanover
Favourite horse? Scruffy Jake
Race you would like to win the most? Miracle Mile
Favourite sporting team? Essendon
Most admired person in industry? Eric Jacobson, Ben Yole
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Get rid of the strict rules on children being in the stabling area, and the security guards that are at the Hobart race meetings patrolling the stables, as it’s these factors that are driving away the future of our industry, and if we don’t support the kids and encourage them into the industry there will be no future in Tasmanian racing.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to others just starting out in the industry?Listen and take on board every piece of advice you are given. Be patient and everything will fall into place. Also be prepared to work hard as nothing worth having comes easily!
Favourite drink? Blueberry iced tea
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook
Favourite snack food? Ice cream
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Dave Franco to Paris
10 Questions with Robert “Doc” Gillie
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake
Best horse trained/driven? Maybe Doc
Favourite Horse? Maybe Doc even though he has tipped me out a few times
Biggest win? Youthful Stakes with Maybe Doc
Race you want to win the most? Easter Cup, Tasmanian Derby or even Tasmanian Oaks
Favourite Sporting team? Essendon and the Natone Football Club
Toughest and most admired competitor? Craig Hayes is most admired as has helped me in many ways. I love to beat anyone but especially Carlton and Richmond supporters ….
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? I love to see Tasmanian owned and bred horses winning in Tasmania. Two year old racing needs to be run for full stakes regardless of the number of runners
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? The more money or owners you have behind you will make it easier for you to succeed
Who would you take on your dream date and where? My wife Bev as I would be nowhere without her and we would go back to New Zealand
10 Questions with Kristy Grant
Best horse seen? Courage Under Fire
Best horse driven/trained? Henry Halo
Favourite Horse? Kanungra Koala
Biggest win? Westbury Cup on Another Jasper
Race you want to win the most? Inter Dominion
Favourite AFL team? Hawthorn
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing as it is just too hard on participants with families
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Work hard as nothing comes for free
Toughest and most admired competitor? Dexter Dunn as a driver and my Pop (Dick Eaves) is my most admired
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Channing Tatum to the bedroom
10 Questions with Max Hadley
Best horse seen? Popular Alm, Maoris Idol, Blacks A Fake, Paleface Adios, Golden Alley
Best horse trained/driven? Prancing Percy
Favourite Horses? Prancing Percy, Gabes Power, Olivers Mate
Biggest wins? Tasmanian Pacing Championship with Prancing Percy, Devonport Cups and numerous Sires Stakes races
Race you want to win the most? Easter Cup
Favourite AFL team? Collingwood
Toughest and most admired competitor? I enjoyed my rivalry with the Rattrays over the years, with a special mention to Creamy (Wayne), as it was always good to get a win over them
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing as it just doesn’t suit the participants and also makes it difficult to get new people involved
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? You need to have a love for horses and be prepared to work hard as it is a tough game
Who would you take on your dream date and where? I would take Dot to America sooner or later
10 Questions with Rohan Hadley
Best horse seen? Prancing Percy
Best horse driven/trained? Black Duke – time trialled 1.53 at Ballarat, Persistency, Cosmic Ice in Tasmanian Oaks
Favourite Horse? Outback Mach
Biggest win? Devonport Cup 5 times, Tasmanian Oaks, numerous Sires Stakes
Race you want to win the most? Easter Cup 2016
Favourite AFL team? Collingwood
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? To protect the integrity within the industry to allow it to move forward in the future
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Rhianna and Shakira to the Maldives for the weekend
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Watch and appreciate your peers as you will learn plenty
Toughest and most admired competitor? Gavin Lang as a driver and Barrie Rattray as a trainer are people I have looked up to
10 Questions with Brooke Hammond
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake, Have Faith In Me
Best horse driven/trained? Have driven Village Of Dreams, Devilish Smile and Cat Bay in track work, Bubbas A Fake and Real River the best I have trained
Favourite Horse? Pants Off Friday and Strezlecki Time
Biggest win? Granny Smith with Bubbas A Fake and the Globe Derby with Cat Bay
Race you want to win the most? Any feature race
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? An increase in prize money and for the industry to go forward we need all the trainers, drivers and stewards to work together and ensure we are all on the same page
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? They need to have a good work ethic and be prepared to take criticism
Toughest and most admired competitor? Anybody who is successful as long as they stay humble
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Vin Diesel and anywhere he likes
10 Questions with Craig Hayes
Best horse seen? Popular Alm
Best horse driven/trained? Mister Sumna
Favourite Horse? Marjy Mary
Biggest win? Prince of Pace and Golden Slipper with Mister Tehaych
Race you want to win the most? Tasmania Cup
Favourite AFL team? Hawthorn
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? More prizemoney into two year old racing would encourage new owners
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Be prepared to work hard as it will be rewarding in the end
Toughest and most admired competitor? Barrie Rattray when he has got them going
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Jennifer Aniston to the Swiss Alps
10 Questions with Paul Hill
Best horse seen? Halwes
Best horse driven/trained? Sinbad Bay (driven), Jerrys Jet (trained)
Favourite Horse? Timoleon, won 19 races on him including one off 60m
Biggest win? Easter Cup on Grizz Wylie as a driver, Dandy Patch/Evicus Stakes double (the two 2yo features in Tas) with Hillview Jake and Chica Bella as a trainer
Race you want to win the most? Tasmanian Derby or Oaks
Favourite AFL team? Essendon
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Would like to get away from Sunday night racing
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Elle MacPherson to Hawaii
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Look, listen and learn
Toughest and most admired competitor? I enjoyed my battles with Neville Webberley, Wayne and Barrie Rattray back in the 80s and 90s
10 Questions with Rohan Hillier
Best horse seen? Popular Alm
Best horse driven/trained? Shez Ryleymak, Barynya
Favourite Horse? Ryley Major
Biggest win? Vicbred 2yo Fillies Final as a trainer (Shez Ryleymak), Victorian Oaks as a driver (Barynya)
Race you want to win the most? Devonport Cup
Favourite AFL team? Richmond
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Prizemoney increase would be of great assistance to attract new owners, more heats into finals programmed
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Pia Miller, anywhere but definitely out of the Bay
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Watch plenty of races and be prepared to work hard as there are no short cuts
Toughest and most admired competitor? Ricky Duggan, Gareth Rattray, Rohan Hadley
10 Questions with Troy Hillier
Troy Hillier with former boxing World Champion Daniel Geale
Best horse seen? Beautide, Sinbad Bay
Best horse driven/trained? Thirsty Mach
Favourite Horse? Robyn Scherbotsky – got it off Rohan and won 9 races with her!
Biggest win? Scottsdale Cup on Arts Bliss
Race you want to win the most? Easter Cup
Favourite AFL team? Carlton “16 premierships”
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Get rid of Sunday night racing
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Do your form
Toughest and most admired competitor? Curly’s Gang and all associated members
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Ellen De Generes and try and turn her back to our side
10 Questions with Grant Hodges
Best horse seen? Popular Alm
Best horse driven/trained? Richie Walton, Yakuza, El Jays Magic
Favourite Horse? Clamorous, Yakuza, Nidya
Biggest win? Easter Cups, Devonport Cups
Race you want to win the most? Inter Dominion, Victoria Cup, Hunter Cup. Just be a privilege to have a runner in any of those actually
Favourite AFL team? Hawthorn
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Programming needs a few changes, more heats into finals
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Halle Berry to anywhere she would like
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Work hard and listen and learn from your peers
Toughest and most admired competitor? Gareth Rattray, Ricky Duggan
10 Questions with Erin Hollaway
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake
Best horse driven/trained? Richie Walton, El Jays Magic
Favourite Horse? Sky Tower
Biggest win? Devonport Cups and the Jane Ellen on El Jays Magic
Race you want to win the most? Miracle Mile
Favourite AFL team? Essendon
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Programming and make all racing from the mobile
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Do your homework, learn from your mistakes and try and get into a good stable
Toughest and most admired competitor? Love beating Grant Hodges in races and most admired is Kerryn Manning
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Brad Pitt to Hawaii
10 Questions with Chris Howlett
Best horse seen? Preux Chevalier
Best horse driven/trained? Prospect Star is best driven, Lena Anne is best trained
Favourite Horse? Rock And Run, Adios Ken
Biggest win? Tasmanian Pacing Championship as a trainer, Devonport Cup and Tasmanian Derby as a driver
Race you want to win the most? Be more than happy to win any feature race
Favourite sporting team? Collingwood
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Promote the industry and make it more attractive to get younger people involved and somehow ensure that they get plenty of opportunities which would allow them the chance to succeed
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Look and listen, work hard and drive as many horses as they can as that will hold them in good stead later in their career
Toughest and most admired competitor? Gavin Lang as he is just a marvel
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Jennifer Aniston to wherever she wants to go!
10 Questions with Tommy Jackson
Best horse seen? Halwes, Popular Alm
Best horse driven/trained? Impressive Chimes, Mister Gallenti and also have a soft spot for Finn Mac Kee who I currently train
Favourite Horse? Impressive Chimes was a good horse to me as he won the Ulverstone Cup in track record time. He also won the prestigious Eric Reece and Harry Holgate Memorial where he won the heats as well
Biggest win? St Marys Cup with Comenchero driven by the late Donny Peck in where he beat a good horse in Needles
Race you want to win the most? Another St Marys Cup or any Country Cup would be great
Favourite AFL team? Hawthorn
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Like to see more winnable races put on for the lesser class horses, maybe a restricted would be the way to go.
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Get involved with the right people who can show you the way to to make the right decisions
Toughest and most admired competitor? Joe McKenzie is the most admired as he was just a great horseman through and through and was always there to help me out as we were neighbours for thirty years.
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Dolly Parton and I would take her back to Nashville
10 Questions with Eric Jacobson
Best horse seen? Halwes, Have Faith In Me
Best horse driven/trained? Carleo Bay was a stand start specialist who held heaps of stand start records, Parawanga, Fleet Express, Atashy Luck, Lucky Atashy
Favourite Horse? Fleet Express, Lucky Atashy
Biggest win? Easter Cups, Devonport Cups and numerous country cups
Race you want to win the most? Tasmania Cup and Tasmanian Derby
Favourite AFL team? Essendon
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing and the powers that be that are ruining our racing
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Get connected to a good stable and be prepared to work hard
Toughest and most admired competitor? Ricky Duggan
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? If I can’t take Denise then I’ll take Nicole Kidman to a deserted island
10 Questions with Michael Laugher
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake
Best horse driven/trained? Got to drive both Sinbad Bay and Our Maestro in track work at Vin Knight’s
Favourite Horse? Amapola was very good to the family
Biggest win? Amapola winning at Moonee Valley and I also got to drive her, training a double at Melton with Babyitsu and Twilight Town (who was fortunate enough to beat Beautide)
Race you want to win the most? Miracle Mile
Favourite AFL team? Collingwood
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing as it is just too hard on participants with families
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Look, Listen and Learn. Also be prepared to work hard
Toughest and most admired competitor? The Rattray family in general but would really like to make special mention about Wayne Rattray in particular
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Elle MacPherson to Maccas
10 Questions with Steve Lukac
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake
Best horse driven/trained? Left Loaded is the best trained, Home Of Jack the best driven
Favourite Horse? King Kevin
Biggest win? Left Loaded winning the Sweepstakes
Race you want to win the most? I’d be happy to win a race next week
Favourite Sporting team? Parramatta Eels
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Prize money increase would be great for the industry
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut!
Toughest and most admired competitor? The Hillier boys (Rohan and Troy), Mark Purdon is just a freak
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Pink to a deserted island
10 Questions with Brian Mackrill
Best horse seen? Halyer
Best horse driven/trained? Glenwood Advice, Sheez Exclusive, Rocky Ruf
Favourite Horse? Rocky Ruf
Biggest win? Sheez Exclusive making a clean sweep of the Sires Stakes series, Mowbray Dick winning the Danbury Park Cup at Elphin
Race you want to win the most? Just happy to win any race
Favourite AFL team? Essendon
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Our handicapping system needs a complete overhaul
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Be prepared and never give up as that is the only way to make it in a tough industry
Toughest and most admired competitor? Wayne Rattray was my toughest and most admired is Brian Hancock
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Cameron Diaz and I wouldn’t care where I was if I was with her
10 Questions with Kate MacLeod
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake, Have Faith In Me
Best horse driven/trained? Hugo Play is best trained, Devilish Smile is best driven
Favourite Horse? Why Take Time and Rampling
Biggest win? The Globe Derby and an M0 at Melton with Hugo Play
Race you want to win the most? My next win will be fine
Favourite AFL team? Essendon
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Listen to the trainer and admit when you have stuffed up
Toughest and most admired competitor? Kerryn Manning
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Jensen Ackles to wherever he wishes
10 Questions with Melissa Maine
Best horse seen? Beautide, Blacks A Fake
Best horse driven/trained? Faithful Gabby
Favourite Horse? Itz Gemmas Delight
Biggest win? Faithful Gabby and Tisu Holly both winning the Granny Smith (4yo Sires Stakes final)
Race you want to win the most? Miracle Mile
Favourite AFL team? Collingwood
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Currently it is hard on participants with children, I just hope they can come to an amicable solution
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Dr Nate (Home and Away) to Alaska for a romantic weekend
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Work hard and listen to your peers as you will learn a lot
Toughest and most admired competitor? Trainers Juanita McKenzie and Rohan Hillier
Profile – Phil Mascall
Best horse seen? Dead Heat between Blacks A Fake/Black Caviar
Best horse driven? Origin Cronk
Favourite horse? Paul Albert
Race you would like to win the most? Southern Light Harness Cup as a trainer
Favourite sporting team? Queensland Maroons
Most admired person in industry? Gareth Rattray
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Programming / Prizemoney / Promotion – ok, 3 things!
What is the one piece of advice you would give to those just starting out in the industry?Back yourself and try to stay positive
Favourite drink? Cold Beer
Facebook or Twitter? Twitter
Favourite snack food? Don’t have one
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Mila Kunis to an Origin Decider!
10 Questions with Juanita McKenzie
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake
Best horse driven/trained? Our Chain of Command, Dazed And Confused
Favourite Horse? Major Callum
Biggest win? Tas Derby (Mister Lennox), Menangle Cup (Our Chain Of Command in world record time)
Race you want to win the most? Hunter Cup
Favourite AFL team? Collingwood
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Get rid of negative people
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? My surrogate husband Rod Ashwood to King Island
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Stay humble, work your butt off and don’t be afraid to ask questions
Toughest and most admired competitor? Everyone is a tough competitor and I have respect for all my fellow trainers. Kerryn Manning is a huge role model. Dean Braun is most admired as has taught me a lot
10 Questions with Paul Medhurst
Best horse seen? Popular Alm
Best horse driven/trained? Penns Boy, Garry Lindon
Favourite Horse? Bay Copy
Biggest win? Marksman Neptune, Tangarda and Bros Best all winning at Moonee Valley
Race you want to win the most? Tasmania Cup
Favourite Sporting team? Australian Cricket Team
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Stake money and more midweek meetings
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Be patient as it can be very rewarding in the end
Toughest and most admired competitor? Neville Webberley and Barrie Rattray
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Delta Goodrem to America
10 Questions with Clayton Miller
Clayton Miller with regular stable driver John Walters
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake
Best horse driven/trained? Harley Fella
Favourite Horse? Harley Fella
Biggest win? Heat and final of the North-West Plate with Cyrilfromthepocket
Race you want to win the most? Inter Dominion
Favourite AFL team? Hawthorn
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Consistent programming
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Before you commit to the industry be prepared to work hard
Toughest and most admired competitor? Have great battles with Ben Yole as my horses generally only compete in claiming races
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Miranda Kerr to the Maldives
10 Questions with Tony Petersen
Best horse seen? Halwes, Golden Alley, Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Our Sir Jeckyl (trained), Jane Ellen (driven)
Favourite Horse? Usain Jolt a 2yo I have in work
Biggest win? Easter Cup as a trainer, Goldberry Bronze winning the Cabriolet 2yo feature at Cranbourne as a driver
Race you want to win the most? Any of our featureraces and hopefully compete on the mainland in better races
Favourite AFL team? Whoever Rodney Eade coaches as I am a loyal Tasmanian
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Would love to get away from Sunday night racing
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? You have to be prepared to watch, listen and learn from the established trainers and drivers
Toughest and most admired competitor? Neville Webberley as a driver and as a trainer I enjoy the competition as good horses make trainers
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Jennifer Aniston to Ireland
10 Questions with Henry Pullen
Best horse seen? Halwes, Golden Alley and Blacks A Fake
Best horse driven/trained? Golden Alley is best I drove as won forty four races on him. He also held four track records in four different states!
Scott Arma is best I have trained with a special mention to Devil Demon who won some nice races. Daman was also a top horse winning two Devonport Cups (Ray trained him for the first one, I had him for the second)
Favourite Horse? Golden Alley
Biggest win? Hunter Cup on Golden Alley. Also won three Tasmanian Championships on Paleface Tiki, Fair Clue and Golden Alley
Race you want to win the most? The next race with The Badlands
Favourite Sporting team? Hawthorn
Toughest and most admired competitor? Hec Baker, Graeme Peck and when I drove interstate I enjoyed my battles with Gordon Rothaker. I admired Bill Shinn for his professionalism and will also make special mention of Dick Webster
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? An increase in prize money would attract more owners/breeders
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Follow the good drivers as they will always lead you out of trouble so by doing that you can’t go far wrong
Also, they need to present themselves well and speak in the right manner to trainers and owners
Who would you take on your dream date and where? Tina Turner to Wrest Point Casino
10 Questions with Barrie Rattray
Best horse seen? Popular Alm
Best horse driven/trained? Beautide, Astral Francais, Vicar Neptune, Genghis Karalta
Favourite Horse? Beautide
Biggest win? 2013 Miracle Mile as it was James and Beautide’s first Group 1, Genghis Karalta back to back Easter Cups
Race you want to win the most? Tasmanian Derby, Victoria and Hunter Cups
Favourite AFL team? Hawthorn
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Public perception – we need to make the general public aware just how important harness racing is to the economy
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Cameron Diaz to Vegas
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Keep persisting and listen regardless of your age because you are never too old to learn
Toughest and most admired competitor? Neville Webberley, Ricky Duggan
10 Questions with Gareth Rattray
Best horse seen? Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Beautide, The Grouse, Queen Carey, Devendra
Favourite Horse? Beautide
Biggest win? Tasmania Cup, Tasmanian Derby
Race you want to win the most? Inter Dominion, Miracle Mile
Favourite AFL team? Essendon
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Get rid of negative people and Sunday night racing
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Look, Listen and Learn
Toughest and most admired competitor? Ricky Duggan
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Carmen Electra and to anywhere she desires
10 Questions with James Rattray
Best horse seen? Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Beautide
Favourite Horse? Beautide, All Laid Out (a two year old that I drove to win the Bluegrass Series at the Red Mile in Kentucky)
Biggest win? Inter Dominion, Miracle Mile
Race you want to win the most? Victoria Cup or Breeders Crown would be very special
Favourite AFL team? Hawthorn
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Would love to see the Tasmania Cup get back to Group 1 status as “I would bring Beautide back for it”
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Take on all the advice from your peers that have been there and done it
Toughest and most admired competitor? John McCarthy and Luke McCarthy
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Rhianna to the Maldives
10 Questions with Kent Rattray
Kent Rattray (right) with connections of Quastor Centurion
Best horse seen? Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Cody Maverick and Karalta Gift are best driven, Quastor Centurion is best trained
Favourite Horse? Cody Maverick
Biggest win? Dandy Patch and Raider Stakes with Quastor Centurion
Race you want to win the most? Tasmania Cup
Favourite AFL team? Richmond
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? We need to spend more time on getting our two year old racing back to where it used to be
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Listen to your peers as they possess a wealth of knowledge and do your form
Toughest and most admired competitor? Neville Webberley as a trainer, Ricky Duggan and Gareth Rattray as drivers
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Charlize Theron to New Zealand
10 Questions with Todd Rattray
Best horse seen? Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Beautide, Jaruzelski Leis, Devendra
Favourite Horse? Alby Albert
Biggest win? Devonport Cup on Devendra, Sweepstakes and Dandy Patch on Palmisano
Race you want to win the most? Chariots of Fire
Favourite AFL team? Western Bulldogs
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Prizemoney as would be easier to attract new owners
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Keep at it and don’t give up as you will succeed in the end
Toughest and most admired competitor? Love nothing more than knocking off my brother Gareth, most admired is dad (Barrie) and my brothers Gareth and James
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Jessica Alba to Bora Bora
Profile – Wade Rattray
Best horse seen? Beautide
Best horse driven? Blue Pointer
Favourite horse? Karalta Dazzler
Race you would like to win the most? Scottsdale Pacing Cup
Favourite sporting team? Richmond
Most admired person in industry? All members of my family for what they have achieved, from winning non-winners races right through to the Inter Dominion
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? We need to be more in touch with the way the world has changed and make further change with it. By doing so and being in touch with the younger generation, we will see a rise in interest in our sport. This will hopefully flow on to see a rise in betting, owners, younger participants and the stakes will follow. The future is with the youth – people and horses alike, so we must continue to support them because they are very hard to get back if we lose them
What is the one piece of advice you would give to others just starting out in the industry?Take notice of those who have seen success over a period of time. Listen to those individuals and keep your head up as you will never please everybody
Favourite drink? Iced Coffee or Millers Chill with lime
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook
Favourite snack food? Aussie Pizza
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Alison Wonderland to the Tomorrowland Music Festival in 2016
10 Questions with Wayne Rattray
Best horse seen: Paleface Adios, Beautide
Best horse driven/trained:
Cody Maverick this horse could have been anything
Karalta Gift was a great horse who competed against the best in the land
Karalta Bay won 19 race as a four year old and was a great horse for the family
Vicar Neptune was a great old horse who was just a pleasure to train
Karalta Jet won the Tasmanian Championship
Napoleon Stone was a great mare as well
Astral Francais was a brilliant horse and was going to be anything. My wife Gaye and I formed a lifetime friendship with the part owners Des and Kay Logan.
Favourite horse: Vicar Neptune and Karalta Bay were very special to me.
Biggest wins:
Three Tasmanian Pacing Championships – Napoleon Stone, Karalta Bay, Karalta Jet.
Astral Francais winning the four year old Vicbred Sires was very special
Tasmanian Derby with Admiral Karalta
Two Easter Cups with Genghis Karalta plus also numerous Sires Stakes and Feature races
Race you like to win: Breeders Crown would be great to win
Favourite sporting team: Melbourne Demons
Toughest and most admired rivals: Easily Neville Webberley
The one thing you could change about Tasmanian harness racing: Programming needs to be more accommodating for two and three year old racing
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry: Get aligned to a successful stable, be prepared to work hard and take on board all advice given
Who would you take on your dream date and where: My lovely wife Gaye to England
10 Questions with Andrew Rawlings
Best horse seen? Thorate
Best horse driven/trained? Punt Road Disco (trained), I got the privilege to drive Our Sir Vancelot in track work
Favourite Horse? Johnnyace
Biggest win? Light Harness Cup with Me Mate Les and Burnie Cup with Punt Road Disco
Race you want to win the most? Tasmania Cup
Favourite AFL team? Hawthorn
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? More standing start races would be great
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Work hard and listen to the respected people in the industry
Toughest and most admired competitor? the Rattray family, Rohan Hadley, Rohan Hillier
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Kaley Cuoco to an exotic island for a romantic weekend
10 Questions with Sam Rawnsley
Best horse seen? Im Themightyquinn
Best horse driven/trained? Gedlee is best driven, Maybe Rama the best trained and both could have been rockstars if their careers weren’t cut down by injuries
Favourite Horse? Gedlee
Biggest win? Granny Smith, Globe Derby and Launceston Cup
Race you want to win the most? Hunter Cup
Favourite AFL team? The mighty bloods – Sydney Swans
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? All two year old races should be run for full stakes as the breeders and owners need a full return on their investment
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? The biggest asset in racing is patience as it can be very rewarding when that special horse comes your way
Toughest and most admired competitor? I admire everybody in the industry as it is the only industry where you have to compete hard just to make a living
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Robin Wright to the Oval Office as she is one hot fox
Profile – Mark Stanley
Best horse seen? Paleface Adios, Pure Steel
Best horse driven/trained? Northern Brewer was my best as he competed against the very best. Causeway Bay was just as gifted winning 15 of 21 but injury cut short his career which was a real tragedy
Favourite Horse? Northern Brewer
Biggest wins? Four Easter Cups (three with Northern Brewer and one with Majority Rules). Northern Brewer also won five at Moonee Valley including the consolation of the Hunter Cup. His two best career runs though were a second in the South Australian Cup and a third in the Queensland Pacing Championship. I also won numerous Sires Stakes races but the Globe Derby and Granny Smith eluded me
Favourite Sporting team? Collingwood
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? When they agreed to go to Sky Racing we sold our industry and we have been dictated to ever since. The hard thing was that the powers that be never realised how much of an affect that decision would have on participants and families. This was one of the decisions that led to my early retirement
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Enjoy it if it’s your passion as it can be a fantastic lifestyle in the end but never take anything for granted
Toughest and most admired competitor? Neville Webberley and Barrie Rattray were the toughest and I really admired Tony Petersen and a young Ricky Duggan. That era of racing would have been close to the best in the history of Tasmanian Harness Racing
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Taylor Swift is my favourite singer so I would take her to Paris or London
10 Questions with Heath Szczypka
Best horse seen? Lyell Creek
Best horse driven/trained? Genghis Karalta in track work, Albert Jones is best I have trained
Favourite Horse? Vancouver Mac
Biggest win? Leigh Plunkett Memorial at Spreyton with Came Rollin In
Race you want to win the most? Battle Of The Claimers at Melton
Favourite AFL team? Richmond
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Really wish all participants could just go to the track and get along and stop the jealousy
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Be patient, get yourself a good mentor and don’t be scared to have a crack
Toughest and most admired competitor? Neville Webberley
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Cameron Diaz to Hawaii for a romantic weekend
10 Questions with John Walters
Best horse seen? Popular Alm, Blacks A Fake
Best horse driven/trained? Genghis Karalta, Barooga Geoffrey, Nifty Knight, Good Town
Favourite Horse? Nifty Knight
Biggest win? Devonport Cups, Hobart Cups, Metropolitan Cups
Race you want to win the most? Easter Cup
Favourite AFL team? St Kilda
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? The integrity of racing to sustain a positive future
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? The young participants need more education and schooling that should be provided by Tasracing
Toughest and most admired competitor? Ricky Duggan, Gareth Rattray, Terry Knowles and Rohan Hadley
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Elle MacPherson to the Gold Coast
10 Questions with Neville Webberley
Best horse seen? Preux Chevalier, Popular Alm
Best horse driven/trained? Halyer, Thomas Magnum, Lourdes, Dare We Dream the top four but numerous other handy ones including Almeta Boy, Goldeena, Roses Heart, On Parade, Sunshine Jim, Lobellent, Concorde Lombo, Paleface Lindy, Whisky Regal, Colsta, Lady Allora, Ultimate Girl, Jurassic Jack as a 2yo ……………
Favourite Horse? Halyer
Biggest win? Australian Derby, Victorian Oaks, 3 Tasmanian Championships, numerous Sires Stakes, Tasmanian Derbys and Oaks but the wins I enjoyed most were when I could turn a horse struggling to win 1 or 2 into a multiple winner
Race you want to win the most? Miracle Mile, Breeder’s Crown
Favourite AFL team? Collingwood
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Stakemoney and run the 2yo races no matter how many starters. I had all my success with young horses and they are the future
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Study the videos and the form, the more you know about a horse’s ability the more success you will have. Same goes with being more hands on with a horse will also lead to more success. A big attribute I would recommend is if you know how to ride horses then ride them as will learn a lot about them and build rapport
Toughest and most admired competitor? Barrie Rattray
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Sharon Stone and to bloody bed
10 Questions with Roger Whitmore
Best horse seen? Halwes, Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Resurgent Spirit, he did win 13 in a row which is a great achievement
Favourite Horse? Resurgent Star as she is the mother of “Joe”aka Resurgent Spirit
Biggest win? Dandy Patch, Raider Stakes
Race you want to win the most? Easter Cup or Tasmania Cup
Favourite Sporting team? Brisbane Lions
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? We need to make it more viable and attractive for young people to get into the industry. We also need to do something about keeping the smaller trainers and breeders interested in the game
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Be prepared to work hard and listen to all advice given as even today, I am still learning at my age
Toughest and most admired competitor? Barrie Rattray is the toughest and Marc Butler is the most admired as he is just a professional young man
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Would have to take Kay and would take her to see the Grand Canyon and a baseball game in the States
10 Questions with Paul Williams
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake, Beautide, Pure Steel
Best horse trained/driven? Redside Shrek, Vinokourov, Foxfighter
Favourite Horse? Redside Shrek, Metro Digby
Biggest win? Raider Stakes with Vinokourov then the Bandbox with Eternal Life two weeks later
Race you want to win the most? Any race would do at the moment but it would be good to win a race on the mainland
Toughest and most admired competitor? Neville Webberley, Barrie and Gareth Rattray
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing as it is just too bloody hard on participants who work outside of racing
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Keep at it and work hard as nothing comes easy
Who would you take on your dream date and where? Jessica Biel to the Maldives
10 Questions with Allister Woods
Best horse seen? Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Lachie James
Favourite Horse? Laughyaheadoff
Biggest win? North West Plate Final with Heza Frenchman at $62
Race you want to win the most? St Marys Cup
Favourite AFL team? Essendon
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Sunday night racing as we have a young family and it just makes it too difficult as they have to come to the races with me. Would also like more standing start races as 15 of my 16 winners have been from behind the tapes
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Work hard as the results will come and don’t give up
Toughest and most admired competitor? Beating all my family members gives me a real kick
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Bec Hewitt back to Summer Bay
10 Questions with Ben Yole
The state’s leading trainer Ben Yole pictured with brother Mark
Best horse seen? Beautide
Best horse driven/trained? Slick Bromac
Favourite Horse? Notso Cheap
Biggest win? City of Launceston Cup with Slick Bromac
Race you want to win the most? Hunter Cup
Favourite AFL team? North Melbourne
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Prizemoney increase would be handy
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Jennifer Lopez to Hawaii
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Work hard, be patient and listen to all advice given
Toughest and most admired competitor? Gareth Rattray and Barrie Rattray
10 Questions with Mark Yole
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake, Shakamaker
Best horse driven/trained? Motu Crusader
Favourite Horse? Jasper Rose
Biggest win? Greysteel in City of Launceston Cup and Ima Miss Molly in Evicus Stakes
Race you want to win the most? Interdominion or locally either Tasmania or Easter Cup
Favourite AFL team? Melbourne
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? Metropolitan racing would be great then we don’t have to travel interstate
Advice to all juniors just starting out in the industry? Listen, learn and work hard as you will learn something from everybody
Toughest and most admired competitor? Gareth Rattray is the toughest and most admired is Chris Alford
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Michelle Payne to the Melbourne Cup
Profile – Tim Yole
Best horse seen? Blacks A Fake
Best horse driven? Slick Bromac, Three Blind Mice
Favourite horse? Philtra Phella, Giveitaname
Race you would like to win the most? Easter Cup, Tasmania Cup
Favourite sporting team? Melbourne Demons
Most admired person in industry? My brother Ben and any of the top trainers or drivers who take the time to talk to us little blokes to try and help us improve
The one thing you could change to improve racing in Tasmania? No Sunday night racing. Race on Fridays and Saturdays
What is the one piece of advice you would give to others just starting out in the industry?It is hard work. You need to work your backside off and be willing to start right at the bottom just to get anywhere but it helps if you can align yourself with a leading stable and try to make the most of your opportunities
Favourite drink? Flavoured Milk
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook
Favourite snack food? Chocolate and Ice cream
Who would you take on your dream date and where (partners excluded)? Carrie Underwood to a country pub for a good meal, watch a country band and have a dance
Tasmanian Racing Analysis 