Episode 266: Pat Webster

Pat says this may well be his final interview. I doubt that strongly, but either way it’s a tribute to a man who endeared himself to the Sydney racing world for almost 6 decades. He reviews an emotional day at Newcastle on Dec 5th when he saddled his final runner. He talks of the heartfelt tribute paid to him by the ATC at a Randwick meeting the following week. Pat talks about his long time role as a drugs and alcohol consultant for Racing NSW- a role he hopes to continue for a long time to come. The experienced horseman reflects on his initial indentureship to Betty Lane in the tiny township of Geurie, and his time with astute trainer Bernie Byrnes at Randwick. Pat remembers the horses who contributed to his successful apprenticeship with special mention of a grand little horse called Medieval Maestro. He recalls the horror fall at Rosehill which left him with a long list of injuries, and virtually ended his riding career. Pat looks back on six years away from racing when he gained a rigger’s certificate and worked on the Sydney waterfront. Inverell born Webster talks of his entry into the Sydney training ranks and the wonderful horses to shape his new career. He loved all of them, none more than his once in a lifetime horse Happy Clapper. Pat acknowledges the support of owners, with special mention of Gerry Harvey who’s had horses in his stable for many years. He says their very first meeting wasn’t a friendly one. The retiring trainer talks of the biography he released in 2020 with the appropriate title of “Don’t Die Wondering”.  He was surprised to learn recently that a reprint of the book is under way. Pat talks of his move to a Central Coast property which affords him easy access to northern race meetings where he’s mentoring young participants.