Banter beat-up

I am writing to clarify the context of remarks made by me and reported in the Herald Sun of April 8, in the "Confidential" sports gossip section.

The article concerned comments I made at the official launch of the 2010 jumps season and Warrnambool carnival.

Present was a broad range of the racing community, headed by Racing Victoria CEO Rob Hines. Also attending were various members of the Country Racing Victoria board, the chair of the Warrnambool Racing Club, owners, trainers and jockeys.

What could have been a boring afternoon was well handled by the master of ceremonies Rob Gaylard.

It could quite easily have turned into a debate, with the two sides of the jumps racing issue gathered in one small room, but Gaylard’s quick wit and ability to keep the humour rolling ensured an enjoyable launch.

Mr Hines spoke well and was fair in saying that jumps racing would want to improve if it was to survive.

WRC chair Marg Lucas also was good, naturally kicking up for jumps racing and speaking about the positives that jumps racing brings to Warrnambool. Jumps jockeys Steve Pateman and Craig Durden also spoke very well about the positives of jumping — after all, it is their livelihoods.

The ambassador for the 2010 carnival, Shane Templeton, was also introduced, and rightly Shane didn’t hide which side of the fence he sat when it came to jumps racing.

When I was introduced to the gathering of about 100 people, Rob Gaylard, having known me for many years, from my showjumping days, and knowing that I am a confident larrikin who enjoys a laugh, said to me: "Let’s have some fun (meaning banter between the ’Bool boys and the city trainers)."

He started by asking me about the camaraderie and competition between the local trainers at the ’Bool, and how we appear to the public to all get along.

I answered by saying that it’s a tough caper and everyone has their turn.

"I’ve had a nice horse in Cargo Cult, Ciaron Maher was able to win at the highest level with Tears I Cry, Bill Wilde always has a handy horse and Aaron Purcell travelled the world with a $900 buy."

Rob then noted that at last year’s carnival the local lads had the wood on the city trainers, and again I replied by saying: "I think we (local trainers) won 15 or 16 of the 30 races programmed. All year round we have in the back of our minds that there might be a race for one of our horses at the carnival. Our horses are set for races at the carnival and are not afterthoughts in the weeks leading up. David Hayes and the likes bring horses every year but have never dominated, so you’d wanna bring your best teams, boys."

Rob then said to me: "You don’t mind selling yourself," and I replied, tongue in cheek, "Everyone in this room knows that I’m the best trainer in Warrnambool."

The interview ended with a laugh from the crowd and a small round of applause.

It therefore disappoints me that a lighthearted interview was taken out of context and reported to make a headline.

I’m sure everyone in attendance knew the context in which my remarks were made as I have the utmost respect for my fellow Warrnambool trainers and David Hayes.

When Kibbutz ran ninth in last year’s Melbourne Cup, David came up to me following the race, shook my hand and said: "Job well done," something I appreciated and will never forget.

I was prepared to totally forget the article until someone made the comment to my parents that they thought they had raised me better than that. Poor journalism should not be a reflection on them!

The journalist in question was apparently present at the launch but did not interview or speak to me. The way that he has reported the article has attacked my character.

I appreciate the media and have gained great benefit from it over recent years. I will continue to be jovial (with some of them) but the lesson learnt is that two ordinary sentences can absolutely bury you and affect those close to you.