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With the Sydney jockey's room virtually a closed shop, other talented riders are obliged to carve themselves a niche in one of several strong NSW regional centres. With no shortage of race meetings, these jockeys are able to pursue a healthy livelihood, sneaking to town from time to time when an opportunity arises. One such jockey is Billy Owen who's services are in regular demand in the Southern Districts. Bill's first stint as a professional rider was halted by weight problems in 2013. He spent the next five years on the amateur circuit winning more than a hundred races. He was thrilled in 2018 when his weight stabilised, allowing him to return to the pro ranks. Bill talks about his current run of success. He speaks highly of My Last Hooray whose three recent wins have impressed the jockey. The gelding is the only horse in the stable of former multiple Gr 1 winning trainer Frank Cleary. The jockey talks of Asgarda, the mare he partnered in the Kosciuszko. Bill's location between Canberra and Queanbeyan enables him to ride trackwork at both venues. The 32 year old takes us back to his early days growing up on the family farm near Gundagai. He says he was in the saddle at age 3. He talks of his favourite equine activities and a brief stint at the rodeo. Bill says he loved every minute of his Rugby League involvement with the Gundagai Tigers. His “jockey's frame” came against him. With the blessing of his parents, Billy gained an apprenticeship with Nick Olive. The jockey clearly recalls his first winning ride on the Olive trained Chirurgo Dame in 2010. He talks of a long and happy association with the Canberra trainer. Bill was on the team during Nick's association with classy mare Single Gaze. He never rode Single Gaze in a race, but was her regular partner in trials and trackwork. He says the stable staff were wildly excited when Single Gaze ran second in a Caulfield Cup and progressed to the Melbourne Cup of 2017. Billy talks of Voice Commander, the horse he rates as the best he's ridden in a race. He looks back on the decision to quit the professional ranks when his weight got out of control. Bill has fond memories of his five years on the picnic circuit and a win in the famous Bong Bong Cup. The jockey has never forgotten the morning he became aware that a return to the professional ranks was a possibility. Bill says he took a much more professional approach on the comeback trail. He's never forgotten Nick Olive's gesture in finding the right horse to re-launch his career. Towards the end of 2018 Billy was tickled pink when Sydney trainer John O'Shea sought his services for a horse called Dawn Raid. He fondly remembers his first Saturday metro win on Junglized for trainer Brad Widdup. Bill hasn't forgotten his first metropolitan double- a brace of wins at Warwick Farm for John O'Shea and Gerald Ryan. He talks of the two jockeys he most admired as he was coming through the ranks. Bill pays tribute to partner Kia, daughter of prominent trainer Doug Gorrel. His regular riding weight of 57kgs is achievable only by adherence to a strict regime. Bill acknowledges the support of a handful of southern trainers. It's a laid back chat with a very popular southern districts jockey.
Brad speaks about his runners today at Hawkesbury. Runners for Rosehill on Saturday.
Brad speaks about his chances today at Hawksbury.
Trainer Brad Widdup looks at his runners chances for Royal Randwick today on Racing HQ Saturday with Luke Marlow.
Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup chats his chances on the home track today.
Trainer Brad Widdup runs though the chances of his Scone runners on Racing HQ Saturday.
Trainer Brad Widdup discusses his runners today at Gosford including Party Doll in race five.
Piplup's chances in the Australian Oaks? Dave asked trainer Brad Widdup.
Trainer Brad Widdup on a tough few days for his Hawkesbury stables.
Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup on his stable's four winners last Saturday.
Trainer Brad Widdup chats Saturday's Provincial Midway at Hawkesbury.
Trainer Brad Widdup with the latest from his stables.
Trainer Brad Widdup looks at the chances of his runners at Rosehill Gardens on Racing HQ Saturday.
Brad takes us through the main players in the stable.
Dave talks with trainer Brad Widdup about his runners engaged at Newcastle, Warwick Farm and Randwick.
Trainer Brad Widdup looks at his chances at Rosehill Gardens today.
Troy Corstens, Natalie Young, Brad Widdup, Mick Price, JD Hayes and Adam Durrant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trial Time w/ Dean Watling & Brad Widdup (05/07/23) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trainer Brad Widdup looks at his runners chances at Rosehill Gardens today.
Takes us through his runners for the next few days
Brad talks about his runners in R5 & 10 today at Rosehill
In a way it's a pity this podcast was recorded ten days before Crafty Eagle's brilliant win in Saturday's Midway. I'm sure syndicator Steve Vardy would have been very excited by the dominance of the win. Steve worked for some years as a plumber and car detailer before biting the bullet and acquiring his syndicator's licence as recently as 2020. Steve begins by revisiting the magical morning at Warwick Farm trackwork when he fell in love with thoroughbreds. He talks about his years in the trades, and the nagging desire to do something in the racing industry. Steve recalls his very first venture into horse ownership- a small share in a horse called King Lear who was destined to win seven races. His admiration for King Lear led him to the purchase of a half brother. He syndicated the youngster among friends and associates and had the thrill of seeing him win at Port Macquarie for trainer Kristen Buchanan. He talks of another Port Macquarie win provided by Kristen, who's one of Vardy Thoroughbreds' regular trainers. Steve fondly recalls his very first serious appearance at the Inglis Classic Sale where he bought a Star Turn filly for $50,000. She's already a two time winner and very promising. He looks back on the whole exciting experience, and acknowledges Marc Quinn's involvement in the syndication of the filly. Steve looks back on the acquisition of Crafty Eagle at the Inglis Ready To Race Sale. He summarises the promising gelding's career so far. He talks of the progress made by a filly called Hellbent On You who's been showing great promise at the trials for trainer John Thompson. Steve talks of other young horses he currently has in work with his “go to” trainers- John Thompson, Kristen Buchanan, Marc Quinn and Brad Widdup. He acknowledges the support of business partner Gavin Clugston who's actively involved in the operation of Vardy Thoroughbreds. Steve pays a heartfelt tribute to his wife Louise and their young family. He makes special mention of Brook and Matt, elder children from his previous marriage. The syndicator issues an invitation for interested parties to join him on Sunday June 4th at Hanover Lodge Wilberforce, where five yearlings will be paraded. Steve expresses the intention of his company to find a suitable home for horses when their racing careers are over. He acknowledges the support he receives from Paringa Stud at Gresford. Steve endorses the work of syndication companies who endeavour to make ownership a reality for the smaller players, in a very expensive business. It's a laid back chat with a man who knew what he wanted in life, the moment he saw track workers emerge from the fog at Warwick Farm more than four decades ago.
Trainer Brad Widdup looks at his Scone runners for today.
Brad talks about his runners today at Hawkesbury & Newcastle
Brad Widdup joins Racing Pulse as Group 1 winner Icebath returns this weekend in the Apollo Stakes at Randwick
Trainer Brad Widdup looks at his Rosehill Gardens runners.
Trainer Brad Widdup with the latest from his stable.
Trainer Brad Widdup chats about his runners at Canterbury Park this afternoon including Fudai in race one.
Miles was joined by David Morrison, Brad Widdup & Mick Gannon to preview todays races at Randwick
Brad talks about his runners today and the teams chances
Jerome Hunter, Peter Snowden, Nick Ryan, Richard Jolly, Phil Stokes, Matt Hoysted, Adrian Bott and Brad Widdup.
Brad talks about his runners at Gosford today & Randwick on Saturday
Brad talks about his runners at Mudgee & Randwick tomorrow
Brad Widdup joined Warren Huntly following Icebath's maiden G1 victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Brad talk about winning his first group 1
After 24 years in the employ of other trainers, Brad Widdup was coaxed into training in his own right as recently as 2017. Two years later he endured a setback that would have discouraged most horsemen in the same position. This man's recovery has been spectacular. We begin by getting Brad's reaction to his best season ever in 2021/2022. He talks of a flying start in the new season. Brad says his recent success has brought increased support to his Hawksbury operation. This interview was recorded before Saturday's Randwick meeting when stable star Icebath was unplaced in The Invitation after a hopeless start. Brad takes us through his remarkable journey with the classy mare. Brad takes us back to early days in Albury when his father Pat was his greatest inspiration. Brad says his dad, who is still training a small team, is an outstanding all round horseman. He recalls his introduction to Sydney racing when he gained a start with Warwick Farm trainer Rod Craig. He then talks about a succession of jobs with some outstanding horsemen. Brad could have applied for his licence much earlier, but chose to keep gaining experience. Brad was working for Crown Lodge when word filtered through that Bob Ingham had decided to sell the entire operation to Sheikh Mohammed. He recalls the moment. Brad looks back on the commencement of his own training career and acknowledges some of the horses who got him up and running. He talks of his association with jockeys, and echoes the sentiments of most trainers who experience difficulty in securing the regular service of capable work riders. Brad pays tribute to the training facilities offered by the Hawkesbury Race Club with special mention of the Polytrack. He talks of his wife Milissa and three teenage children. Brad had twenty four years of experience under the belt when he was cajoled into training horses in his own right. After a shaky start through no fault of his own, Widdup has bounced back in spectacular fashion.
Brad Widdup, Ciaron Maher, Adrian Bott, Sam Freedman, Dan O'Sullivan, Anthony Cummings and Neville Parnham joined Gareth to preview their runners across the weekend.
Trainer Brad Widdup with the latest from his stable.
Leading horse trainer talks about his chances at Warwick Farm later today with "Golden Age"
The BSB Team cover all the latest news in sport plus chat with Sydney Swans AFLW Assistant coach Bronwyn Gulden and Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup
Our form experts help find you a winner across all three codes on this Tuesday. Trainers David Brideoake, John McArdle, Brad Widdup and Luke Price also joined us to discuss the chances of their runners at Echuca, Newcastle and Goulburn respectively.
Brad talks about his runners today.
Brad Widdup joins us to chat about Epsom favourite Icebath and much much more
Brad talks about his runners today at Hawkesbury & racing heading towards Rosehill on Saturday
Brad Widdup silenced his critics last weekend, when his decision to take Icebath to Randwick and not Newcastle on Friday proved to be the right decision.
Trainer Brad Widdup with the latest from his stable.
Leading horse trainer talks about his chances at Bathurst today plus an insight into the trial form of "Icebath"
The BSB Team cover all the latest news in sport plus chat with Parramatta Eels co captain Clint Gutherson and Hawkesbury horse trainer Brad Widdup
Hawkesbury Trainer Brad Widdup previews today's runners on the heavy 10 at Randwick: ICECRUSHER (R3) & CALGARY QUEEN (R7). Brad feels the small field represents Icecrusher's chance to earn reward for strong recent form.
Hawkesbury based trainer Brad Widdup with the latest from his stable.
Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup joins us to discuss the impact of more flooding in the Sydney area and how it's affected his training
Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup talks Icebath and his other prominent runners
Trainer Brad Widdup joins Andrew Bensley to chat about his runners heading to the Kensington meeting this afternoon. We also get an update on his star mare ICEBATH.
Hawkesbury based trainer Brad Widdup looks at his chances at Royal Randwick today.
Full episode for Sunday 29 May 2022 with Ray and Dean speaking to league legend Steve Renouf plus Peter Peters and Phil Rothfield chatting NRL. Racing review with journalist Richard Callander plus trainers Brad Widdup and Robert Quinn. We also have Gerard Daffy, the League Super Quiz and plenty of fun sporting songs as our talk topic theme today. Phil Moss also reviews a huge weekend of football finals.
Trainer Brad Widdup chats about Surreal Step's victory on Saturday at Randwick.
Brad Widdup joins Racing HQ ahead of the Hawkesbury meeting today.
Trainer Brad Widdup joins Dave Stanley ahead of Hawkesbury Cup Day on Saturday.
Leading horse trainer talks about his chances at Hawkesbury this weekend
The BSB Team cover all the latest news in sport plus chat with Radio KJR announcer Dick Fain, Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup and SMH journalist Adam Pengilly
Big Thursday edition of Bensley to get you prepared for a big weekend of racing ahead. Greg Carpenter gave us a preview of Caulfield and Warrnambool over the coming weeks. Andrew spoke to Brad Widdup, John McArdle, Kayla Crowther, Mark Walker, Brad Taylor, Troy O'Neile and Gary Colvin. Josh Rodder previewed Caulfield and Chris Nelson previewed Doomben. Andrew also spoke to Tamworth Jockey Club CEO Michael Buckley to preview the Tamworth Cup. Maggie Payne with a Country Racing Update plus The Early Crow.
Trainer of Icebath Brad Widdup joins Richard Haynes and Ron Dufficy ahead of the JRA Plate at Royal Randwick.
Brad talks about his runners heading to Hawkesbury today & Randwick on Saturday
Brad Widdup with the latest on stable star Icebath ahead of Saturday's Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes.
Trainer Brad Widdup joins Andrew Bensley to chat about the improvement of the Hawkesbury racecourse and facilities surrounding the track following the recent floods. We also get an update on ICEBATH ahead of the All Star Mile.
Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup talks us through his runners today and beyond
Icebath resumes in Saturday's Group 2 Apollo Stakes at Randwick on Saturday as an each-way chance
Trainer Brad Widdup joins Andrew Bensley to chat about his team of runners heading to Kembla Grange and Ballarat today.
Natalie Young, Ryan Balfour, Kurt Goldman, Luke Price, Symon Wilde, Lindsey Smith, Calvin McEvoy, Bjorn Baker, John Sadler, Brad Widdup and Mick Price preview their runners with Gareth Hall
Rosie Jilla from the Brad Widdup stable joins Andrew Bensley to chat about her favourite horse from the team, ICEBATH, following her well-deserved victory in the $2 Million The Invitation on Saturday. Rosie gives us more insight into what the mare has been like since she was a youngster and first entered the stable.
Trainer Brad Widdup discusses last Saturday's ‘The Invitation' winner ‘Icebath' , now likely to go to the Cantala at Flemington this Saturday.
Trainer of Icebath Brad Widdup chats to Ray and Dean about the win in The Invitation at Randwick.
Brad Widdup reflects on Icebath's well deserved The Invitation win
Full Episode for 24 October 2021 includes Ray and Dean chatting cricket with Robert 'Crash' Craddock plus we discuss league with Buzz Rothfield and Peters Peters in between your texts and calls. Looking at racing we hear from jockey Jenny Duggan, trainer Brad Widdup and Richard Callander. Phil Moss reviews the Matildas win overnight plus we hear from Gerard Daffy with all the latest from the TAB. The quiz is also up-ended as Tanya stands in to read the questions for Dean.
Trainer Brad Widdup joined Andrew Bensley and Michelle Bishop to chat about Icebath in The Invitational and it's preparation for a big day at Randwick
Leading horse trainer talks about his preparation for The Invitation race event with "Icebath"
The BSB Team cover all the latest news in sport plus chat with TAB Invitation trainer Brad Widdup, Sydney Sixers WBBL coach Ben Sawyer and SKY Racing form expert Brad Davidson
Trainer Brad Widdup joins Andrew Bensley to chat about his good mare ICEBATH who will line up as one of the leading chances in The Invitation on Saturday in Sydney.
Leading trainer of "Icebath" talks about his preparation for the TAB Epsom
The BSB Team cover all the big news in sport plus chat racing with Adam Pengilly & leading trainer Brad Widdup
Brad gives us a very honest appraisal of todays runners
Has a few runners today headed up by Icebath
The full BSBW episode for 13 June 2021. Peter Peters and Buzz Rothfield reflect on State of Origin game one plus we hear from Paul Gallen on the game and his upcoming bout versus Justis Uni. Phil Moss looks at the Euros and A-League Finals plus we hear from trainers Adrian Bott and Brad Widdup.
Trainer of Adelong Brad Widdup chats to Ray and Dean after the galloper won at Randwick yesterday.
Talks about his two runners today and shares a little about their personalities
Controversial omission Icebath has secured a start in tomorrow’s $3 million Group 1 Doncaster Handicap after the Kris Lees Gem Song was scratched yesterday. The mares trainer Brad Widdup joined Michael Felgate.
Trainer Brad Widdup takes us through some of the chances in his stable
Trainer Brad Widdup gives an update on smart mare 'Icebath'.
Gets ICEBATH into the Golden Eagle while SWITCHED is a good chance in Race 5 today
ADELONG a great chance in the Toy Show and ICE BATH with a good chance in the last
Has SHAIK, SWITCHED and SANDBAR running today at Rosehill