A third generation Victorian trainer, Jack Laing oversees a team of horses from his Cranbourne base, hoping to live up to the deeds of his late father Robbie and grandfather Eddie; both trainers of quality gallopers. We find out more about him…
Tell us about your racing family.
Yes, my grandfather Eddie was a trainer, most notably training Qubeau and his son – my father Robbie was a multiple Group 1 winning trainer.
What is your first racing memory?
Taking an unnamed Mutawaajid colt off the truck for Dad and having him rearing completely vertical on the end of a very short and frayed lead and thinking “what a powerhouse.” He turned out to be the Gr.3 Maribyrnong Plate winner Boomwaa.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
Tulloch. i love a tough/gritty horse which was exhibited in his seven two-year-old two-year-old wins and his victories from also winning from 1000m to 3200m. Then the mighty comeback from near death for nearly two years – only to return back as good as ever.
Who is the best horse you’ve been involved with?
Polanski winning the VRC Derby.
And the best horse you have seen?
Winx, I went to every W.S Cox Plate she won and unapologetically fangirled her at the races asking Chris Waller if i could pat the great one. She gave off a mighty presence.
Do you have any promising young horses for racing fans to look out for?
Skyrouge, One of the best types of yearling I’ve seen. He is aiming for the Maribyrnong Plate in the spring.
Who do you admire most in racing?
Gai Waterhouse, a terrific trainer and superb ambassador for racing. Genuine Aussie icon.
Who have been your ‘what if’ horses?
I bid to $70k (max budget) for Xtravagant Star and the same story for Glenfiddich; I went to $70k and was out of tickets.
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
That the bureaucracy would butt out of the game and allow the real attraction – the horses, to be the key focus. The mega syndicate and stable operations have made the overall game very dull and uninteresting.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
Chautauqua refusing to jump at a packed Moonee Valley; where a trial was put on between races specifically for him.
Do you have any racing superstitions?
When people wish me luck – as feel as though any luck I may have had is now deleted.
What is your favourite racing moment/biggest thrill?
Polanski winning the Derby.
If you could time travel into a past racing moment what would it be?
The Bart Cummings/Tommy Smith rivalry era.
Which horse of the past would you most like to have trained?
Fastnet Rock. I loved him as a racehorse, I love his progeny and I love his broodmare daughters; you could enjoy him for 30 years.
Which horse of the present would you most like to have in your stable?
Autumn Glow.
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
Boxing.
What are your favourite movies?
A dead-beat – Titanic and Braveheart.
Imaginary dinner, you can invite three racing people, three outside of racing (alive or dead), who are they?
Racing – Bart Cummings, Tommy Smith, Robbie Laing.
Non racing – Muhammad Ali, Gennady Golovkin, Jordan Peterson.
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
True success is reaching your potential without compromising your values.
Favourite food?
Nandos.
Favourite racecourse?
Moonee Valley.
If you weren’t a racehorse trainer what would you be doing?
Racehorse Vet so i can be rich too!
