Mornington trainer Rory Hunter, who put his name in lights when taking out last spring’s Gr.3 Norman Robinson Stakes with subsequent Gr.1 South Australian Derby placegetter Autumn Mystery, took out time to answer our Quick Questions…
Do you come from a racing family?
Yes, both sides of my family run deep in racing – I have trainers and jockeys on both sides.
What is your first racing memory?
Going to the races with my Mum and Dad as a kid.
Who is the best horse you’ve been involved with?
The mighty Black Caviar when I worked for Peter Moody; she was an absolute freak.
And the best horse you have seen?
Makybe Diva – to see a horse win three Melbourne Cups is something we will never see happen again.
Do you have any promising young horses for racing fans to look out for?
We have some lovely young horses coming through the stable. Yes Yes You Say, a half-brother to our Group winner Autumn Mystery. A Hellbent filly called Hellbent Halo as well as a cracking Puissance de Lune gelding – a real Derby type. Also a recent online purchase Knurl who will furnish into a nice three-year-old.
Who is your ‘what if’ horse?
A recent horse of mine, a D’Argento who we sadly lost – he had the potential to be one of the best horses I’ve trained early in my career.
Who do you admire most in racing?
My Mum as she has been the absolute backbone of my stable and also my Dad’s stable when he was training.
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
One day a week off racing free and also a break in our season like they do in Hong Kong – giving us all a chance to recharge for the spring carnival.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
When Logan McGill and Chris Symons did the videos with the miniature ponies trying to get them into the taxis to the races.
What is your favourite racing moment/biggest thrill?
Just recently, winning a Mornington maiden with Unriddle at his 34th start! He is the first winner I have trained for Mum and Dad, to see him finally break through – it was a great day to share with everyone involved.
If you could time travel into a past racing moment what would it be?
Go back and see Phar Lap race.
Which horse of the past would you most like to have trained?
Northerly as he was just so tough and always in for the fight.
Which horse of the present would you most like to have in your stable?
Romantic Warrior would be a horse I would love to have right now as he just travels around the world and performs at his peak.
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
Playing footy with all of my mates and enjoying a few beers on the weekend.
What is your favourite movie?
The well known racing movie Let It Ride.
Best concert you’ve seen?
Good old Daryl Braithwaite.
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
If you work hard the results will happen.
Favourite food?
Fish and chips.
Favourite racecourse?
Caulfield.
If you weren’t a racehorse trainer what would you be doing?
I would be doing something in media.
