Episode 306: John Sargent

Great to catch up with expatriate Kiwi trainer John Sargent who joined the Randwick training ranks seven years ago. John begins by reviewing the Goulburn win by All Things in a famous set of colours.

The trainer talks of Brandenburg who followed his win in “The Coast” with top performances in Brisbane.

John talks of his low key start as a trainer at Woodville in NZ.

He remembers the thrill of his first win at Foxton with a horse part owned by a top NZ cricketer.

John  talks of his time working on a Waverley property which adjoined a farm owned by a trainer who would soon join the Melbourne Cup honour roll. He also met his future wife at Waverley.

He talks of the snap decision to move to Malaysia when stables became available. In a 5 year stay he won a trainers premiership and several major races.

The 63 year old talks of his return to NZ and the setting up of his dual operation in Matamata and Christchurch. He was soon training a huge team. Another premiership beckoned.

John pays tribute to the horses who propelled his career on both sides of the Tasman. He reflects on the day when his filly Gust Of Wind comfortably defeated Winx in the Australian Oaks. 

He talks of his bittersweet experience after winning the Guineas/Cup double at Wagga last year. Cup winner House of Cartier was stripped of the honour three months later. John  gives his side of the story.

John has news concerning the immediate future of his recent winner Emeralds. He reports on the progress of his brilliant two year old filly Four Moves Ahead who beat all but the placegetters in the recent Golden Slipper.

He talks about his scant sleeping routine and the long hours he spends in the stable. That’s the way he likes it!