OLD WAYS v HI-TECH

Q

Training methods have changed over the years. How different is your approach to the younger generations who are using things like GPS in trackwork?

A

The young ones are way ahead of us with technology now. My owners say to me I have to learn to give out more information like the younger ones who pay people to do videos and all that. At my age (74) I’ll just poke along the way I have been going for all these years. I send text messages to my owners more than I used to but that’s about it. I still use a stopwatch at trackwork. There used to be a stewards tower at the end of the track and I used to get up there in the early mornings to clock my horses. Back in those days we didn’t have lights and in winter the course manager wouldn’t let us go on the track until he could see across the other side. That could sometimes be after 6am and we would have to be off the track by 8.30am. It wasn’t much time and pretty hectic but we got it done. Now with the lights, the track is open every day at 4am.

Q

Has the diet of horses become more scientific too?

A

There are more premixed feeds now. They put all added vitamins, racing oils and supplements in. Many years ago we did our own mixing with things like oats, corn, sunflower seed, linseed and barley. Everyone has got their own idea on measures and quantity. I use the premix ones now too. I’m old-school and think if you feed them well and keep them happy then there isn’t much else you can do.