Episode 252: Tim Donnelly

Great to head bush this week for an interview with Wagga based Tim Donnelly. He begins with a summary of his winning treble at a recent Wagga meeting- his only runners on the day. The astute trainer highlights some of his best horses since returning to Wagga sixteen years ago. Tim acknowledges some of the jockeys who’ve contributed to his success in recent years. He takes us back to his very first job in a racing stable. He started at the top when he landed a job with Tommy Smith who was on the crest of a wave in the Kingston Town era. Tim looks back on his close association with the champion. Tim talks of the owner who got him on his way as a trainer. He fondly remembers his early days training at Canterbury. He pays tribute to Volcanic Prince, the horse who launched his training career. Tim also reflects on the beginning of his great partnership with jockey Mark De Montfort. The trainer pays tribute to the special horses who’ve helped shape his career with special emphasis on the brilliant Quick Flick. Tim speaks glowingly of the Wagga training facilities and the expertise of course manager Mark Hart.