THE BEST OF THE BEST

Q

Who was the greatest horse you saw run at the Gold Coast and the best you saw during your calling career overall?

A

Starcraft (pictured) never raced at the Gold Coast but he did turn in a track work gallop one day with Face Value that I’ve never seen the like since. It was electric. Dual Hollindale Stakes winner Shogun Lodge was a super horse. Outside of the club it would have been Takover Target at Grafton.

Q

Who is the best jockey you have come across at the Gold Coast?

A

Dan Griffin. The eight-time GCTC jockey’s premiership winner has surpassed the late great Ken Russell. Dan is a brand at the GCTC. Turnover when he is in a winning mood goes through the roof. There were times when genuine 101 pops would open up at 6-4 due to his following. He has a knack of riding the Bundall circuit just a bit smarter than most others. He reminds me of track specialists Mike Pelling at Ipswich or a Ken Pope at Caloundra. He has been simply dominant.

Q

How about trainers. Who would be among the best you have come across?

A

The GCTC has always been home to trainers who can win anywhere. Alan Bailey and Gerald Ryan dominated when I came on board. It’s hard to judge or compare trainers they are all different. You need to have the horses behind you and some trainers like Noel Doyle and Harold Norman had smaller teams but still won the big races. John Wallace in his day was outstanding. I doubt there was a better money trainer on the coast. His success with Lloyd Williams cast offs was phenomenal.