The Sunshine Coast based New Zealand born Paul Jenkins has made a name for himself as a patient trainer who gives his charges every chance to develop their talent. We learn more about him such as his love of being out on the water…
Do you come from a racing family?
Yes, my father trained and traded horses back in New Zealand and my two brothers have trained relatively successfully (Brian winning the 1998 Melbourne Cup with Jezabeel).
What is your first racing memory?
Going to the races as a child.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
King Keitel. He was bought for 3k to be traded and couldn’t be sold so I raced him myself with an old friend. He was such a tough competitor winning about 700k and a Doomben Cup. He was still racing in great form at 11, he just loved to compete.
Who is the best horse you’ve been involved with?
Probably Prince Majestic, I spent a lot of time looking after him whilst employed by Ray Verner – he won three Gr.1 races.
And the best horse you have seen?
Winx.
Do you have any promising young horses for racing fans to look out for?
Definitely Point Vega.
Who do you admire most in racing?
Trainers – those who run the super stables – and the battlers.
Who is your ‘what if’ horse?
I’ve had a few of those over the years; the most recent is I Am Artie although he is ready to race again now and seems to be back on his game.
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
A whole lot less use of the movable running rail – it makes a lot of racing nothing more than lotteries and spoils it as a betting medium.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
Some of the excuses my jockeys have given me!
What is your favourite racing moment/biggest thrill?
The Doomben Cup; it was a massive pay day. Also the Auckland Cup as it was the race we all wanted to win as kids growing up there.
If you could time travel into a past racing moment what would it be?
Phar Lap winning at Agua Caliente.
Which horse of the past would you most like to have trained?
Winx.
Which horse of the present would you most like to have in your stable?
Point Vega!
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
Fishing.
What is your favourite movie?
The movie The Sting – Newman/Redford.
Best concert you’ve seen?
David Bowie at Western Springs back in the early 80’s.
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
If you can’t be good be careful!
Favourite food?
Seafood.
Favourite racecourse?
Sunshine Coast.
If you weren’t a racehorse trainer what would you be doing?
Fisherman, I love being out on the water.
