Episode 151: Craig Newitt

In part one Craig talks about his recent haul of winners at the two day Kalgoorlie Cup carnival. He explains why he made the surprise move to return to his home state of Tasmania after many successful years in Melbourne. Her remembers his early days as an apprentice in Tasmania. Craig recalls the surprise phone call from Lee Freedman offering him a job that any apprentice in Australia would have died for. He talks of his very first Gr 1 winner, and the disqualification that turned his life upside down. Craig reflects on his association with the brilliant mare Miss Andretti, and reveals that her temperament didn’t match her great talent. He remembers his whirlwind trip to the UK and the thrill of winning the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on Miss Andretti. Craig heaps praise on one of his all time favourites Pompeii Ruler. Many will be surprised to learn that Newitt rates this horse the best he’s ridden. The jockey looks back on the day he was summoned into the stewards room to be given some tragic news. He pays tribute to his 5 time Group 1 winner Lankan Rupee, and looks back on his Sydney triumphs. He talks of the jockeys he most admires, and the origins of his well known nickname “Froggy”. Craig talks of his current situation in Tasmania.