Murray Bridge based trainer Nicky Irwin has a great history in our great sport, working with a number of classy gallopers including the champion Rubiton though it is her Darwin Cup winner Highly Decorated who remains highest in her affections…
Do you come from a racing family?
There’s a bit of history but not a big racing family – a Great Uncle was a good trainer at Flemington.
What is your first racing memory?
Melbourne Cup Day at school – watching it in the classroom.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
My own – Highly Decorated, he took us on a great ride in Darwin.
Winx – her pure ability.
Who is the best horse you’ve been involved with?
Ride and strapped a lot of good ones for Russell and Ted Cameron a long time ago but probably Rubiton as a stallion.
And the best horse you have seen?
Black Caviar.
Do you have any promising young horses for racing fans to look out for?
Snow Doubt and Hard Rated are promising three-year-olds.
Who do you admire most in racing?
Anyone who sticks with it; it’s a hard game – trainers, track riders, strappers, jockeys, farriers – it’s hard on us all.
Who is your ‘what if’ horse?
100% Hollow Bullet – I was underbidder on her and I was going to show her if she couldn’t run; she put John McArdle on the map!
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
More accurate track ratings and more consistency especially in summer – too many hard tracks which is not good for horse welfare/
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
Most of the Darwin carnival is a blast!
What is your favourite racing moment/biggest thrill?
Winning the Darwin Cup (Highly Decorated, 2021).
If you could time travel into a past racing moment what would it be?
Seeing Phar Lap win four times during Melbourne Cup week.
Which horse of the past would you most like to have trained?
Phar Lap – he would have suited my training.
Which horse of the present would you most like to have in your stable?
She’s Bulletproof.
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
I love going out for a long lunch and trying new wineries – we are lucky in SA, we have so many wine regions close.
What is your favourite T.V show?
I’m re-watching Hell On Wheels at the moment – love it.
Best concert you’ve seen?
Nickleback – all of them!!
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
Let them.
Favourite food?
Thai.
Favourite racecourse?
Was Moonee Valley.
If you weren’t a racehorse trainer what would you be doing?
Sales – I was in sales for years and I was good at it.
