Episode 318: Rod Northam

Great to catch up with respected Scone trainer Rod Northam who’s hoping a slot holder might come along for his Kosciuszko hopeful Spiranac. Rod has high praise for the Scone training precinct. He takes us back to childhood days on a Singleton dairy farm where he taught himself to ride. Rod talks of the genetic influence provided by his father and grandfather. The experienced horseman looks back on work experience at Carrington Stud and the celebrity mare he looked after. Rod talks of his love of Rugby League and a short stint with a well known country team. He reflects on a rewarding year at the famous Marcus Oldham College in Victoria. Rod couldn’t believe his luck when he landed a job as a trackwork rider at the Lindsay Park operation in South Australia. The dream turned sour when a nasty fall put him in hospital. Colin Hayes took a shine to the young New South Welshman and before Rod knew it, he was preparing yearlings for the Adelaide and Sydney sales. Rod reflects on his association with Colin Hayes who influenced his career more than any other. He looks back on a trip to England where he worked for a jumps trainer who got him to take a horse to a Kempton meeting one day. Here he saw a horse destined for fame in Australia, and also ran into an old friend. Rod acknowledges the horses who’ve helped him to build his business as a trainer. All time favourite is Big Money who won 10 races despite serious foot issues. He makes special mention of After All That winner of almost $500,000, and the talented mare Myamira. The Inglis 2YO Challenge has been a wonderful race for the Scone trainer. He looks back on his five winners. Rod has always valued the input of experienced jockeys, and pays tribute to two of the best. Last but not least he talks of the meteoric rise of stable apprentice Reece Jones who’s been taken along slowly by his master. Rod predicts a great future for the young rider.