A moment in the sun for Paul following The Jackal’s Star Kingdom Stakes win - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
I enjoy reminiscing with bush horsemen, especially one who’s been around for a while. We catch up with Paul St Vincent who took a long time to retire but his stables are finally empty. He does however travel from Tamworth to Coffs Harbour whenever his sons Aiden and Kane require his help. This interview was recorded ten days before Aiden’s talented horse Lisztomania won the MNCRA Championship Preview at Port Macquarie. Paul talks of his long road trips to the coast.
He talks of sons Aiden and Kane and their respective careers in the racing industry.
Paul talks of his early aspirations to become a golfer and subsequent jobs in golf club pro shops.
He says harness horses sparked his interest at the old Newcastle Showground track.
Paul talks of his time with the Narrabri Golf Club and then a career change into caravan and horse float sales.
The former successful trainer recalls a chance meeting with a man who would change his life. He met legendary horse trainer Merv Corless at the Tamworth Golf Club. They became great friends.
Paul talks of the gesture by Merv Corless destined to launch his training career. Paul wasn’t at the track the day his first winner bobbed up.
He talks of his move into the Tamworth Jockey Club’s on course stables and remembers some of the loyal owners who helped to get his career up and running.
Paul pays tribute to a string of his favourite horses with a few funny stories thrown in.
He acknowledges the long term support he received from some great country jockeys.
Paul delights in telling the story about his acquisition of the horse destined to take him to a bigger stage.
He speaks of a friendship with Gerry Harvey which would lead him to The Jackal, eventual winner of more than $1 million dollars in prize money.
Paul takes us through a racing career which would see The Jackal post 15 wins and 16 placings. He was a multiple stakes winner.
The former trainer reveals that The Jackal, at twenty years of age still has the run of his Tamworth property.
Paul pays tribute to daughters Lucinda and Erlina and acknowledges the long term support of his wife Therese.
This is a laid back chat with a respected bush trainer who more than held his own whenever he brought one to town.
(Banner image - Paul with Aiden and Kane after The Jackal’s first Ramornie Hcp win.)
Robert Thompson had to work overtime to get The Jackal home in the 2009 Gr. 3 Star Kingdom Stakes at Rosehill. Runner up was Black Prince (Corey Brown) - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
The Jackal has a permanent home on the St Vincent property at Tamworth - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
Winners are grinners! - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
Paul with owner Alan Ackling and the late Darren Jones before Roulette Kite’s unplaced run in the Romantic Dream at Tamworth 1997.
Paul and Therese St Vincent celebrate a good day at the races.
Paul and Knight Tides took part in an advertising campaign for a local bakery.
Paul with the talented Ballymoreen in the early 90s. The quirky mare recorded 11 wins and 11 placings.
Pony “Nookie” had a lot to put up with. Here he is with 4 passengers - Friend, Aiden, Lucinda and Kane.