Episode 248: Peter Creighton

Like most racehorse syndicators Victoria’s Peter Creighton has an unbridled passion for the racing game. He talks of early days when he part owned a few bush horses and his transition to the syndication business. Peter recalls his first visit to a racetrack with his father and an uncle at age 14. He was instantly smitten. He talks about his distant relative Norm Creighton who rode a Victoria Derby winner before going on to great success as a trainer. The respected syndicator looks back on his University degree and the jobs he had before being overpowered by the racing bug. He remembers the complex conditions he had to meet before United Syndications saw the light of day. Peter looks back on his modest start in the syndication business and an early association with champion Riverina trainer Richard Freyer. He clearly remembers the day he decided to offer Mick Price the job of training the United Syndications horses. Peter tells the story of the first time he went to the Inglis sales at Newmarket with the express purpose of buying a likely city winner. He had a very limited bank. He pays tribute to the special horses who’ve flown the United Syndications banner since the company was founded in 1993. Pete talks of his personalised contact with owners, and his twice weekly attendance at Caulfield trackwork. The syndicator pays tribute to skilled Wangaratta horseman John Ledger who breaks in and pre trains United horses. John also gets to train the horses who don’t measure up to city class. Peter and Lauren Creighton run the business between them. They are the proud parents of John(27) and daughter Sharn (23). Pete acknowledges the support of his wife of thirty two years. He concludes with a report on the progress of one of his favourite horses Fighting Harada. The horse is just coming into work after a two year absence. Pete’s hoping for a successful return from a talented horse.