Trainer Henry Dwyer has been making his name across the globe over the last couple of years and as another jet-setting 2026 gets underway, he took time out for our QUICK QUESTIONS…
What is your first racing memory?
Attending the Boxing Day races at Mansfield to watch a horse my Dad and Uncle bred and raced. The horse was named Pickles’ Folly and he ran third. I would have been seven or eight.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
Riding High. A tough, honest and charismatic little horse who won a number of feature jumps races.
Who is the best horse you’ve been involved with?
Asfoora.
And the best horse you have seen?
Individual performance – Lonhro winning the Australian Cup in 2004. Body of work – Black Caviar.
Who is your ‘what if’ horse?
Lucky Liberty, a talented horse who won a Christmas Handicap but who was never really sound.
Who do you admire most in racing?
Any person who is able to maintain a training business successfully for a decent length of time.
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
A levy charged on stallion service fee/yearling sale/yearling purchase/tried horse sale/tried horse purchase to be held in trust for care after racing, along with the centralisation of the rehoming process to the controlling body of each state.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
Had a good bet on a horse in Adelaide several years ago named Chase The Horizon at about 20/1. The race was run, the horses crossed the line and he looked to have got beaten about a head. The horses returned to the mounting yard and still no numbers, which was odd, given it looked clearcut. Lo and behold they semaphored his number, somehow, I don’t know how, but they did. Watch the replay for a laugh. I really needed the money too!
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
I’ve been told I need to find one.
What is your favourite T.V show/movie/book?
The Office (UK Version), Napoleon Dynamite, The Outsider – Albert Camus.
Best concert you’ve been to?
Mumford & Sons at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
What slogan summarises your outlook on life?
You can’t appreciate the view from the highest mountain without going through the lowest valley.
Favourite food?
Steak.
Favourite racecourse?
Swan Hill.
If you weren’t a racehorse trainer what would you be doing?
Sitting on a couch, watching races.
