Episode 367: Steve Englebrecht

“He always seems to have a handy horse in the stable”, is an old racing adage which traditionally applies to smaller racing stables. Steve Englebrecht has been one of those trainers for most of his forty year career. The semi retired horseman has only two horses in work currently, but both can gallop. He talks about his promising three year old filly Chilko Lake. Steve talks about the filly’s sire Vancouver. Although a Golden Slipper winner himself, he seems to be producing horses who handle a middle distance effectively. He also explains the derivation of Chilko Lake’s name. The trainer talks about early days in Muswellbrook and the influence of his parents Ron and Rita -both horse trainers. Steve pays tribute to the best horse he’s ever put a bridle on. Steve recalls his move to Gosford and the Queensland horse who kick started his solo training career. He looks back on his move to Warwick Farm and acknowledges the reliable horses who’ve kept his name to the fore over 25 years. Winning Hand, Irish Rort, Santiago Belle, Speedy Belle and Dottoressa were among his favourites. Steve remembers his happy association with the genuine gelding Referral. The son of Dr. Grace won only one Gr 1 but raced with distinction at the elite level for most of his career.  He talks about the uncle and nephew duo who owned Referral. The uncle was Steve’s barber.  Steve pays tribute to his talented stable apprentice Craig Agnew, a lightweight jockey who rode for many of the top stables during his brief career. He reflects on his Pago Pago Stakes win with Genius And Evil. He loved the horse and was disappointed when the owners accepted a big offer from Hong Kong interests. Great to catch up with a member of a Hunter Valley racing dynasty.