Episode 466: Ron Stubbs

Always a pleasure to catch up with the bush trainers. Our podcast guest this week is Albury’s Ron Stubbs whose reputation precedes him. Ron is rarely without a handy horse, and he currently prepares Bianco Vilano who’s already safely locked away for the Country Championship Final on April 6th. Ron’s affinity with horses goes back to childhood days in the western Riverina. His training career has been spread over two successful stints. He talks about his first win on returning to training in 2016 with the curiously named Squidensqizz.  Ron looks back on his memorable day at Albury on Feb 18th- three wins including the Country Championship Qualifier. He talks of his association with Victorian jockey Craig Williams who rode all three winners. Ron talks of the progress made by Bianco Vilano.  The trainer speaks well of Bianco Vilano’s full brother Baledon who finished third in the Albury qualifier. Ron takes us back to childhood days in Moulamein and the shetland pony his father won in a raffle. He remembers the family’s relocation to Hay and his participation in pony club. Not surprisingly he later graduated to riding trackwork for his dad Pat who was hobby training at the time. Ron talks of his only sister Jenny, and brother Peter Stubbs who devoted most of his working life to racing administration. The trainer speaks fondly of his work experience stint with legendary Melbourne trainer Angus Armanasco. He talks of his decision to become a professional trainer, and the setting up of his business in Albury. He remembers the uncertain early days. Ron clearly recalls his first training success at Balranald. He speaks glowingly of the three horses to put him on his feet as a commercial trainer. Ron recalls his first meeting with Petra, his wife and staunchest supporter.  He looks back on his decision to take a job with Finemore Transport who had a busy Albury base. His sons Kurt and Nick were 10 and 7 respectively, while daughter Abbey had just arrived in the world. Ron talks of his twenty years in the transport game- some of it with Finemore Transport, some with Green Freights. He says daughter Abbey’s love of horses partly influenced his decision to return to training. Ron talks of his commitment to keeping his team at manageable numbers. He talks of good performer Tap ‘N’ Run. Ron rates his Albury Cup winner Spunlago as the best he’s trained to date. He speaks admiringly of smart mare Boss Lady Rocks who’ll race at the Albury Cup carnival. Ron pays tribute to some of the talented jockeys who’ve helped him along the way. It’s a nice “chin wag” with a respected country horseman.