Episode 553: Craig Widdison

Many young people born into racing families develop an affinity with horses from a very early age. Not the case with Craig Widdison. Despite the fact that his father Col had ridden and trained successfully, young Craig didn’t want to know about the sleek thoroughbreds that had dominated his early years. His original goal was to become a physical education teacher. He later became involved in roller hockey and immediately showed potential. He had enough ability to play for Australia in the junior ranks, and looked a certainty to represent his country as a senior until fate intervened. A nagging knee problem brought an end to his hockey dreams, and that’s when the racing bug finally took hold. Craig takes us through his twenty five years in racing. He  talks about the highs, and one devastating low for which he blames nobody but himself. The Wodonga trainer begins by talking about a trip to Randwick on Melbourne Cup day when The Prodigal Son ‘s chances were thwarted by a H8 track.  Craig revisits a win by the same horse on Melbourne Cup day last year.  The trainer talks about his Wodonga base and easy access to southern NSW meetings. Craig talks about father Col’s days as a jockey and trainer, and subsequent involvement in the horse transport business. He admits to having zero interest in racehorses early days, and looks back on his ambition to become a PE teacher. Craig looks back on his fascination with roller hockey and his selection for the Australian junior representative side.