Episode 386: Mark Newnham

Mark Newnham’s career story is one of a young bloke who held on to his dream like a dog with an old boot. From the first day his father took him to the races, young Newnham knew he wanted a future with horses. He says his passion has never waned. Mark talks of the difficulties of running a dual operation at Randwick and Warwick Farm. He was relieved when more boxes became available at headquarters.  He reflects on his training statistics over the last two seasons. Mark elaborates on the little known fact that his maternal grandfather Bert Condon was a successful jockey as far back as the 1920’s and 30’s. He remembers with affection the many times he tagged along when his father, newspaper executive John Newnham was a regular at Sydney race meetings. Mark recalls work experience with Bob Thomsen, a dream job as travelling foreman for Bart Cummings and an overseas stint when he rode work for some legendary horsemen. He looks back on his first apprenticeship to Graeme Begg and a transfer to Ron Quinton. He remembers the thrill of his first winning ride and acknowledges a couple of nice horses he got to ride early days. Mark talks of his years as Gai Waterhouse’s regular rider at the Saturday Kembla and Newcastle meetings. He recalls a winning ride in a maiden at Kembla on a future multiple Gr 1 winner. He looks back on five productive years as assistant trainer to Gai. Mark talks of the upheaval in his life when Tulloch Lodge was sold to Asian interests. As it turned out it simply expedited his long time plan to train in his own right. He remembers the uncertain early days when he started out at Warwick Farm with just three horses. His first winner in 2016 came as a blissful relief. Newnham acknowledges a few important early wins and the thrill of getting a stakes horse in Lanciato. He looks back on a surprise Gr 2 win with a two year old who made it into the Slipper field. Mark delights in the story of his very first Gr 1 success with Maid of Heaven who got beaten in a maiden just ten weeks before her thrilling win in the Spring Champion Stakes. You can hear the admiration in the trainer’s voice when he speaks of his dual Gr 1 winner Shadow Hero. Mark was devastated when Nakeeta Jane went amiss after just eight starts. One of her 3 wins was the Gr 1 Surround Stakes. He pays tribute to a handful of favourites like Greysful Glamour, Big Parade, Marway, Harmony Rose, Splintex, and Quackerjack. Mark assesses the prospects of a handful of promising horses he has in the stable currently. He pays tribute to three talented apprentices who’ve come under his care in recent seasons.  It’s a laid back chat with the man who’s emerging as a successor to Theo Green and Ron Quinton as a mentor of jockeys.