For the latest edition of Quick Questions we head to the bush to have a chat with popular Moe trainer Peter Gelagotis…
What is your first racing memory?
My late father’s winners like Wonder Worker, Royal Mask and Shillalae Echo; all trained by Kevin Ruff at Sale.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
Moss ‘N’ Dale; he won stakes races in three different states. He could handle any surface and despite an average pedigree he won over $1 million and tried his guts out.
Who are the best horses you’ve been involved with?
Dead-heat Mourinho and Levendi. Both took the stable to the top at Group 1 level. Injury curtailed the careers of both but they were outstanding horses to train for different reasons.
And the best horses you have seen?
Winx and Black Caviar – dead-heat.
Who is your ‘what if’ horse?
Levendi for sure – he was a genuine potential star until injury after his AJC Derby win curtailed his ongoing career; he could’ve been anything.
Who do you admire most in racing?
Trainers across the board but Gai Waterhouse stands out for her promotion of our industry and her strong voice on hard issues.
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
Stronger protection of trainers and punters on many fronts; the industry needs to be proactive in regards to isuses like whip rules and track rating policies, etc. Work/life balance requires attention for all participants across the board.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
When Moss ‘N’ Dale won at the Warrnambool carnival after my brother Manny tormented the favorite in the mounting yard due to it being a stallion; the horse was misbehaving with a bit of help! The market changed dramatically when it was going crazy and I’m not a punter but I think Manny and his mates celebrated hard that night in the Whalers. It was a funny story at the time.
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
Fishing & hunting.
What is your favourite T.V show/movie/book?
Rex Hunt Fishing World, Clint Eastwood westerns and Bart Cummings’ book.
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
Stay humble and be true to yourself.
Favourite food?
Asian cuisine.
Favourite racecourse?
Randwick.
If you werent a racehorse trainer what would you be doing?
I’d be a builder.
