It was a huge thrill for me to win my first Golden Rose but also a first for Gai Waterhouse ad Adrian Bott. It was extra satisfying to do it with In The Congo who I have had so much to do with.

I live for music. Dancing as the sun went down with Hot Dub Time Machine at Schweppes All Aged Stakes Day was epic. The warm weather, the liquid sunset, the infectious beats from Sydney’s own and the rush from everyone in the crowd made it all feel like a movie. It’s a memory I’ll never forget.

Attending The Championships a few years back is one of the best days I’ve had at the races. It had everything! The atmosphere, entertainment and all for the cost of a public ticket made it a fantastic day. I now look forward to The Championships every year and make it my annual trip away with mates.

Since going to the races for the first time I’ve never looked back! Walking in to see everyone dressed in vibrant colours, beautiful pop-up’s serving food and drink and then looking on to the lush green track. Sitting on the sidelines, watching the horses competing at their best while enjoying it all with friends. Simply unforgettable!

On Longines Golden Slipper Day, we get nearly 25,000 through the gates at Rosehill Gardens. They’re all hungry, thirsty and looking to party. As Group Executive Chef, it’s safe to say, my day starts early. I’m up in the dark – making sure the deliveries arrive and the prep is sorted before the gates open, while the course is still peaceful. The calm before the storm!

But then it’s full-on, hectic, mad, brilliant and beautiful. Nothing beats a day here when the place is rocking. Everyone out in their finest, having a great time. Sydney doing what it does best.

It is every jockeys dream to ride a horse of the calibre of Octagonal.

He just had such a great determination and will to win. Every race was a hard race, and he delivered every time.

He won four Group 1 races that autumn (Canterbury Guineas, Rosehill Guineas, Australian Derby and Tancred Stakes) which was incredible.

It was a great time in my career and the people that were involved with him as well.

The Coolmore Classic means a lot to me. It’s my most successful race as a trainer.

Having won the race four times as a trainer it was with Dixie Blossoms in 2019 at Rosehill Gardens that stands out the most.

This was one of the biggest thrills I’ve ever had on a racetrack. She was a darling of a horse. Just the kindest and most intelligent animal.

She had been knocking on the door of a Group 1 win for so long and to finally get it was just so bloody exciting. What a way to do it.

I was so pleased to win the race for owner and ATC Director Alan Osburg who was such a joy to train for.

From the moment I woke up that day, I knew it was going to be a good one. The weather was perfect for Longines Golden Slipper Day. The energy was contagious. Rosehill Gardens was buzzing. The crowd couldn’t wait for the racing to start.

Our youngest daughter is nicknamed “Queenie” (long story), so when we saw She Will Reign was running, it was a no-brainer. Imagine how thrilled we were when she won! We were ecstatic. We partied at the course until late. It was incredible fun – the best people with the best atmosphere, having the best time.

Our day started with a bang. We arrived early, ahead of the first race for Stakes Day. By midday, the energy at Rosehill Gardens was electric. Crowds of people attending each race, stopping for drinks and nibbles in between. And we decided to do the same. I’ve heard great things about the food at Rosehill Gardens and it didn’t disappoint. The three-course dining at Ascot Restaurant blew it out of the water. From the spicy Thai beef salad, the chickpea and pumpkin ragu to the crème brûlée. Fantastic races, amazing food and great company That’s the life.

I remember the crowds at Randwick were practically bursting that day. The excitement was palpable. It was the 2015 Epsom Stakes. Back then, Winx was a good horse, but no one could have imagined the legacy she’d forge. She was a young rising star and off the back of a few wins, but the competition was tough. It was down to the last 100 meters when she finally broke out of the pack and charged down the field. What an incredible turn of foot! It was absolutely one of the best things I have ever seen. Who would have known that she would become such an icon? 

Last year, I promised that I was going to spend more time getting out and enjoying myself. So what better way to start fresh than by letting my hair down with some New Year’s Day Racing at Royal Randwick? I went with some friends. After we enjoyed a couple of cocktails at the bar we watched the racing in the Winx stand, had some food won some money and then partied with the DJ after the racing ended. Between my new outfit and newfound love for racing, I think it’s safe to say that was a mission accomplished. We’ve already bought tickets to our next day out.

Racing season is always a big one for us. Looking great on race day is mandatory and I’m proud to be a part of that. I have regulars who come to me for the day – a cut, colour, highlights, anything to help them put their best forward. But this year we thought, why let everyone else have the fun? We actually went to Ladies Day for the first time after a client talked us into it. I loved it! Everyone looking and feeling their best Sleek updos, voluminous curls, expertly done highlights, it was incredible to see. And we had a laugh riot – from the moment we arrived to partying late into the evening, the day was incredible.

We all gathered one last time to see Winx. The young, the old, Sydneysiders and Aussies from all across the country all at Royal Randwick for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To see our national treasure race – and win – I remember it like it was yesterday. Our cheering intensified as she broke through in typical Winx fashion and raced down the finish line. It was spectacular and I’m proud that I got to witness that.

It’s the busiest, biggest day of the year at Royal Randwick. Everest Day. It feels like the whole city descends on us. As head barman, it’s my job to keep the celebrations flowing. From the finest champagne to robust reds, wonderful whites and more than a few beers – I’m responsible for keeping the bars running and the punters happy and hydrated. Every year is busier and more interesting than the last. And I love seeing racegoers come in. Whether you’re a racing purist or a newbie, something for everyone here. But what really makes it is having a great team behind me, helping keep the wheels turning.

Our day started with a bang. We arrived early, ahead of the first race for Everest Day back in 2020. By midday, the energy at Randwick was electric. Crowds of people attending each race, stopping for drinks and nibbles in between. And we decided to do the same. I’ve heard great things about the food at Randwick and when we heard Dany Karam was jumping on board as a feature chef we brought our tickets straight away and it didn’t disappoint. The canape menu in The Conservatory blew us away. From the smoked beef fillet, the kingfish tartare to the lemon tart and the oysters! We have booked our tickets again for this Autumn Carnival to relive the Dany Karam trackside dining experience. It really is a fantastic day out at the races, with amazing food and great company. That’s the life.