Episode 524: Michael Beattie - Stipendiary steward, racing administrator and bloodstock agent.

When Michael Beattie became Deputy Chairman of Stewards for the Hunter And North Western Racing Association in 1985 he wasn’t made welcome by all of his new colleagues. In fact one senior member of staff was clearly unhappy about the appointment of the bloke he called  “the brash young steward from Grafton”. Beattie’s lifelong tendency to call a spade a spade has earned him a reputation as a tough, hard operator- some have branded him a “bully”. Others have testified to his fairness and his insistence on listening to every shred of available evidence  Few have ever left a Beattie inquiry without knowing exactly where they stood. The sixty six year old has swapped stewarding for racing administration on a couple of occasions over more than fifty years in the industry. This is a podcast with a straight shooter who tells his life story with candour, humour and a touch of showmanship. Michael talks about his good fortune in landing back in his beloved hometown of Grafton as CEO of the Clarence River Jockey Club.  He talks of the dozen Grafton Cups he’s overseen since returning to the northern rivers. He’s a great admirer of the 2022 Cup winner Arapaho. Michael talks of early days in Grafton when his favourite entertainment was the Friday night ABC television coverage of the Harold Park trots. He couldn’t wait for Fridays to come. He revisits the 1971 Miracle Mile win by freakish Western Australian pacer Mount Eden. The performance made a lasting impression on the budding racing aficionado. He takes us back to the heady days when he’d climb a Jacaranda tree outside the Grafton racecourse to watch the horses come down the straight. Finally his father Les agreed to take him to the races as a paying customer. Michael’s a good storyteller and regales us with some entertaining yarns- like the one about his offer to a prominent trainer who always seemed to be short on helpers. He’s always been able to open doors. At just fourteen years of age in 1973, he put a proposal to the four race clubs who used the Grafton racecourse. We’re talking about 37 race meetings a year. Next thing young Beattie was writing all of the racebook form for those four clubs.  Michael tells the story of a winner on Ramornie day 1973 owned by a respected Doctor who wanted him to strap the horse no matter what. You’ll enjoy the rest of the story. He takes us through the rigorous procedure he had to follow in quest of a job with NSW Government Railways. It was worth the trouble. The former international steward looks back on his appointment as a cadet with the Northern Rivers Racing Association (NRRA), and an introduction to the tough task of handicapping. Michael’s desire to spread his wings saw him apply for an important new job in 1985. He was 26 when appointed Deputy Chairman of Stewards with the Hunter and North Western Racing Association. He remains grateful for the enormous experience he gained over fourteen years. His first stint as a racing administrator came in 1999 when he successfully applied for the CEO’s role with the Gosford Race Club. He gained invaluable experience over almost seven years. Michael reflects on a conversation with trainer Joe Janiak who’d indicated he might set rising sprint star Takeover Target for the 2004 Pacesetter Stakes. That conversation took a few twists and turns. Michael looks back on Gosford Committee meetings when he persuaded board members to consider purchasing more real estate around the racecourse. He remains gratified that there’s now sufficient space for Racing NSW to develop a huge training complex in the future. He reflects on the surprise phone call from former high profile steward John Schreck advising him of an upcoming position with the Macau jockey Club. Michael took the job but opted out of his contract less than a year later. The reason for his change of mind is perfectly understandable. It was back to Sydney and a new role as Chairman Of Stewards for Harness Racing NSW at precisely the time the dreaded EI virus made its presence felt in Sydney. Michael takes us through some highlights and lowlights of his time at the helm of harness racing. He recalls another surprise approach from the Macau Jockey Club who were keen to get him back for another stint. The offer came shortly before the infamous “green light scandal” dealt the trotting industry a crushing blow. Michael responds to the reputation he’s carried for years as a very tough man to deal with in the stewards room. He doesn’t deny the claims but believes his fairness more than counterbalances his stern disciplinary measures. He talks about his current online involvement in the buying and selling of local thoroughbred bloodstock. To date he’s moved some 400 horses for northern rivers owners. He has the backing of the CRJC Committee who are delighted to see most of the money being recycled in the region. This is the story of a country kid who made things happen from a very early age. It’s unlikely anybody could tell it better than the man himself. A very entertaining podcast from a true blue Aussie racing tragic who happened to be blessed with multiple talents.  He didn’t waste one of them.