Most trainers wore hats 30 or 40 years ago. Brad is trying to revive the trend - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
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 Hawkesbury 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.
(Banner image - Kerrin McEvoy gets Icebath home in The Invitation 2021 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.)
Brad looked the part when this one was taken at Warwick Farm 2018 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
Darren Beadman and Sam Clipperton during his short time with Godolphin - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
One of Brad’s favourites Adelong stretches out to win the Bob Charley AO stakes 2021 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
With Jay Ford and Ben Vassallo after a stakes win by Vulpine at Scone earlier this year - courtesy Bradley Photographers.