Episode 279: Bart Sinclair

Great to catch up with Bart Sinclair OAM who retired from his role as Racing Editor of the Brisbane Courier Mail in 2012, after four decades of trusted racing journalism. The Racing Queensland Hall of Fame Inductee begins by outlining his current role with the Brisbane Racing Club. Bart pays tribute to his father and namesake Bart Sinclair Snr who had great success as a jockey and trainer. Young Bart never saw his father ride, but learned of his talents from old time racing men as he was growing up. He talks of his Dad’s association with Berborough. Bart Snr thought he had the mount on the occasion of Bernborough’s Sydney debut, but was doomed to disappointment. Bart remembers a betting coup his father orchestrated in Brisbane with an unsound horse called Bindana. Bart Snr. patched up another unsound horse called Mullala to win the 1963 Stradbroke. Bart Jnr reflects on his father’s Derby win with Minto Crag and the many races he won with Oxford King- a horse he bought for 300 guineas. The eminent journalist reflects on his childhood around the stables and his friendship with another budding jockey who remains a great friend to this day. Bart talks of his many visits to Sydney with his Dad, and his passion for the famous Doncaster Hcp. One particular Doncaster is etched in his memory. He remembers the scholarship win which introduced him to the man destined to become his mentor, and a great influence on his life. Bart looks back on his early introduction to radio and television and the special people from whom he learned the business. He talks of his lifetime affinity with the suburb of Ascot and nearby Eagle Farm racecourse. He and Judy moved away for a short time, but quickly returned. Bart pays tribute to Judy and his two daughters. The seventy year old looks back on the infamous Fine Cotton scandal, and the “caffeine case” which proved an embarrassment to Queensland racing chiefs. Bart reflects on the remarkable Rough Habit- the New Zealand horse Queenslanders took into their hearts. He talks of his involvement with Brisbane’s popular Bernborough Club which brings racing men together several times a year, and contributes thousands of dollars to charity. It’s a good chat with Bart Sinclair OAM.