Able to experience international racing during his time in Singapore, Dan Meagher returned to Australia when racing in that country closed down and he is continuing on with the family’s success in the training ranks. He is our latest QUICK QUESTIONS subject…
What is your first racing memory?
I remember walking into Flemington with Dad and watching him win the first race on Derby Day. I think it was a horse called Cool Choice ridden by Brett Prebble.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
Two horses; watching Winx and Black Caviar from afar was amazing. I still go back and listen to interviews of both Chris Waller and Peter Moody and how they talk about both mares. Both had serious issues and how they managed them and on top of that how they handled the media – it was incredible.
My own favourites… between Lim’s Lightning and Lim’s Kosciuszko.
Who is the best horse you’ve been involved with?
I never worked for Dad in Australia so I can’t say any of his unfortunately so I guess it’s one of mine I’ve trained and that would be Lim’s Kosciuszko.
And the best horse you have seen?
Up close and personal I saw Singapore’s best ever horse Rocket Man every day. What an individual he was; masterfully handled by Trainer Pat Shaw. He never raced any distance except 1200 meters. He won 20 races and not just in Singapore – Dubai and Hong Kong as well.
From afar it was Winx.
Who do you admire most in racing?
My father is at the top but Des O’Keefe is someone I have so much respect for and he is basically part of our family.
I do have so much to say about my Dad and I love talking about him but maybe for another time!
Who is your ‘what if’ horse?
I do remember bidding on a very good horse who raced in Hong Kong called Golden Sixty. I went a long way but got outbid in the end. I probably would have only have won a maiden with him anyway!
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
I’ll leave this one alone as I could go on for hours but I will say coming from Asia where we had a great work life balance it is extremely different and I feel for many trainers and staff as it’s just go go go here.
What was your Singapore highlight?
So many.
My first Group 1 win with Lim’s Lightning which my Dad at that time could still understand and enjoy; that makes me really proud.
My first Singapore Gold Cup with Lim’s Lightning and my great mate Danny Beasley onboard also meant a hell of a lot.
What Lim’s Kosciuszko has done for me and my family is remarkable; I will be forever indebted to this horse.
For me I made so many memories in Singapore with so many people that I will always cherish forever. I hope we can do the same here.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
Again so many. Most I can’t say on this platform. If you know me you will know what I mean!
What is your favourite racing moment/biggest thrill?
I remember my first winner was a big thrill. He was only my second runner and I told my owner Mr Lim he was a good thing and then he got smashed into favouritism. I was shitting myself in the parade ring when I saw the odds crumble down! Luckily he won with a gun ride by Danny Beasley, thank god. Best part was my Dad came up to watch my first race meeting.
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
Love spending time with wife Sabrina and three kids, Caiden 10, Harper 7 and Vienna 2.
My good mate and fellow trainer Tim Fitzsimmons and I used to play golf twice or three times a month with some other trainers in Singapore but I haven’t played once here so that tells you what a different place it is here – the lifestyle we had in Singapore was amazing.
What is your favourite T.V show?
Bluey, with three kids I don’t have much choice!
I love watching sport documentaries when I get the chance. Drive To Survive is great.
Best concert you’ve seen?
Coldplay in Singapore. Went with my wife Sabrina and it was awesome.
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
Family first.
Keep it simple (it’s hard for me
