John Morrisey was a regular on city tracks from his Canberra base in the 80s and 90s - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Great to catch up with John Morrisey, one of the most astute trainers of his generation. John talks about the move from Canberra to the Gold Coast which came as a surprise to many.
The former trainer talks of his time at the well known Capricorn Park training property near Yass.
John takes us back to his childhood on the Northern Rivers and his father’s Ramornie Hcp win with Flecked Marble.
He looks back on the thrill of his own Ramornie win many years later.
John remembers that Ramornie winner, the talented Kidlat.
Morrisey pays tribute to his Gr 1 winners Camarena, Lachlan River and Rockdale with a few good stories along the way.
John fondly remembers talented galloper Here’s The Prince who landed a well orchestrated plunge for the stable in the 1995 Villiers.
He acknowledges the efforts of Here’s The Point, Digger Stakas, Miss Comanche and Kareden - all great money spinners for the stable.
John recounts the story of the day Peter Pascoe arrived with four horses on his truck and told the trainer to see what he could do with them. Two of those horses won 23 races between them.
He talks about the immense loyalty he’s had from owners over the years, and talks about his reputation for timing a horse’s preparation to the minute.
John is obviously disillusioned about the 9 months disqualification he copped when one of his horses returned a positive result to a cobalt test. His frustration hasn’t subsided.
The retired trainer talks about the transition of son Scott into the number one spot.
John pays tribute to Kay, his wife of 50 years. They celebrated recently.
(Banner image - Here’s The Prince (grey and orange silks) about to grab Rouslan (John Marshall) in the closing stages of 1995 Villiers - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.)
Glen Boss looks for the opposition as Camarena coasts home in 1999 Queensland Derby - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
One of John’s favourites Kidlat wins at Randwick in 1999 with Matthew Cahill in the saddle - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
John and Glen Boss have combined to win the Queensland Derby twice with Camarena and Lachlan River - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
John with the trainer’s trophy after Camarena’s Derby win in 1999 - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
John Morrisey was all smiles as he led Here’s The Prince back after the 1995 Villiers - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.