David receives the Kosciuszko trainer’s trophy from RNSW Chairperson Dr. Saranne Cooke - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
David McColm’s handling of media commitments after the 2024 Kosciuszko won him many friends. It was well documented that his talented horse Far Too Easy had endured several setbacks over the previous couple of years and public interest was high. All David wanted to do in post race interviews was deflect the credit to others. The enormity of the moment triggered unbridled emotion in the former apprentice jockey who’s now approaching forty years as a professional horse trainer. I’ve been looking forward to having David McColm on the podcast, and we’ve finally pinned him down for a chat. He says stable star Far Too Easy will return to work next month after the longest break of his career.
David looks back on two uncharacteristically disappointing runs during the Brisbane carnival.
The trainer takes us back to the 2020 Gold Coast Yearling Sale and the input of his teenage son Archie.
David says the journey with Far Too Easy has been better for the presence of close friends in the ownership.
He says ongoing foot issues with Far Too Easy have tested his resolve.
Dave looks back on the gelding’s first two wins with the late Chris Caserta in the saddle. Only eight months later the young jockey lost his life in a freak accident.
He reflects on the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas when Craig Williams rode the horse for the first time.
David recalls Far Too Easy’s impressive win in the Country Championship Qualifier at Grafton.
He looks back on the horror of the 2022 flood which impacted Far Too Easy and ten other horses. Racing NSW assisted with the remainder of the gelding’s Country Championship preparation.
The trainer remembers the Championship Final on a very heavy track with J. Mac in the saddle.
David looks back on the first of Far Too Easy’s three Kosciuszko attempts and the worrying skin rash that impeded his preparation.
He reflects on the horse’s first clash with arch rival Front Page.
McColm talks about another Kosciuszko in 2023. This time he had to settle for third as Front Page prevailed again.
The trainer says he carefully planned Far Too Easy’s path to the next edition of the Kosciuszko. The horse raced only three times in between.
David was buoyed by Craig Williams’ decision to fly to the Gold Coast for a barrier trial eleven days before the big race.
He reviews the race and the emotional aftermath.
The experienced horseman takes us back to his days as an apprentice jockey with Reg Powell at Werris Creek and pays tribute to a later tutor at Ipswich.
He hasn’t forgotten the thrill of his first win as a professional jockey.
David acknowledges some special horses to help him along the way.
He talks of son Archie’s official transition to stable apprentice, and gives a shout out to younger brother Max.
Mrs. Judy McColm plays a huge part in the operation of the stable and receives the recognition she deserves.
He makes special mention of his older family from a previous marriage.
Dave looks back on a serious illness that halted his career for a couple of years.
He pays tribute to a handful of jockeys who’ve rendered great service over the years.
The trainer talks of his recent relocation to the Gold Coast.
This is a laid back chat with a bush horseman who was able to guide Far Too Easy through some turbulent times to win a $2 million dollar race at Royal Randwick.
(Banner image - Here he comes! Far Too Easy (Craig Williams) claims Front Page before racing away to win the Kosciuszko by a big margin - courtesy Bradley Photographers.)
Connections with ATC officials and slot holders after the feature sprint - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
Craig Williams was practising his victory smile as Far Too Easy stormed to the line in the Kosciuszko - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
Strapper Archie McColm retained his composure during the presentation of trophies - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
David McColm soon after the running of the Kosciuszko. It was an emotional experience for the northern rivers trainer - courtesy Bradley Photographers.