Quick Questions – Get to know trainer Donna Logan

Enjoying great success in Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, Donna Logan (who trained Half Yours’ sire St Jean to his Gr.3 success) has great memories of her experiences with high class horses. We had a chat with her this week and we think you will enjoy this read, including finding out what she’d be doing if she wasn’t a trainer!

What is your first racing memory?

As a very young child, I went to Paeroa racecourse with my parents and their horse Fair Rev won, which got me hooked!

Are you from a racing family?

No, my parents met a famous New Zealand jockey, Baggy Hillis, years ago and started their interest, which saw me turn to love the sport too.

Who is your favourite horse and why?

There have been many, but El Duce because he raced in so many big races across New Zealand, Australia and Singapore and did so much for my career early on. For great people too!

Who is the best horse you’ve been involved with?

Volkstok’n’barrell. He won four Group 1s and raced at the highest level across New Zealand and Australia for several years.

And the best horse you have seen?

It would have to be Sunline. She was just so special and a great Kiwi mare!

Who do you admire most in racing?

Jim Gibbs. Not only was he a legend of our sport, but he backed me immensely as a young trainer with his generosity and knowledge, and also his support and kindness to my family when I had young children.

Who is your ‘what if’ horse?

Definitely Hasselhoof. He had so much raw ability and retired before we even got close to seeing the best of him.

What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?

Better pathways and opportunities for young people with the passion and drive to be involved in the industry.

Which horse currently racing would you love to train?

The next Karaka Million 2YO winner I am hopefully going to buy next week at Karaka!

What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?

Ringing a good friend and a very excited owner to tell him his mare had just foaled at the stable, but really, all we had was a blow-up horse in the yard for a great April Fools’ Day prank, which also happened to be his birthday.

What is your favourite racing moment/biggest thrill?

Victory Smile winning the Metropolitan in 2002, my first Group 1 win in Australia, and we had a big team of Kiwis on course as support, including some New Zealand Warriors at the time.

What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?

Fishing, shopping, gardening and cooking.

What is your favourite T.V show?

Gordon, Gino & Fred: Road Trip! Three very funny guys.

Best concert you’ve seen?

Tina Turner, closely followed by Rod Stewart.

What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?

Honour the past, live in the moment and embrace the future.

Favourite food?

Bluff oysters, crayfish and white bait.

Favourite racecourse?

Ellerslie, a world-class racecourse where I have enjoyed some great success.