Episode 589: John Sadler- Few Australian horsemen have had a more diverse career within the training sphere.

John Sadler’s coming up 72 next birthday and can look back on a fascinating  career. He’s possibly more content currently than he’s ever been, working a team of just thirty horses at the widely lauded Pakenham training centre. Half the team are pre-trainers for good friends, the other half racehorses owned by valued clients old and new. It hasn’t been all beer and skittles for the Terang born trainer with recurring bouts of depression and one unfortunate run in with a senior steward during the infamous Aquanita Racing scandal that came to light in 2017. That misdemeanour cost John six weeks on the sidelines. You’ll hear his side of the story on the upcoming podcast. John begins by acknowledging the merits of the state of the art Pakenham training precinct.

He talks about his team of thirty horses and the pre-training support given him by fellow trainers.

The veteran horseman talks of life on the farm at Terang in the 1950’s.

John talks of Terang’s history in both thoroughbred and harness racing.

He pays tribute to his remarkable parents Lindsay and Mary. His father died in 1993 at 95 years of age. His mother stayed around for much longer.

John remembers friendships formed in schooldays that would introduce him to the racing game.

He talks of the modest start he made as a trainer on the small property he’d purchased at Colac.

John reflects on his very first win as a trainer and the unforgettable thrill of his maiden metropolitan win.

You’ll enjoy the trainer’s reminiscences about the ageless Pressman’s Choice and the betting plunge he landed with the horse in the 1991 Hamilton Cup. Few knew what dire financial straits he was in at the time.

John fondly remembers his very first Gr 1 win with Jolly Old Mac.

The trainer acknowledges the talents of Kenvain and Lady Jakeo, a star two year old filly of the early 90’s.

He hasn’t forgotten the surprise phone call from jockey Greg Hall which led to an exciting overseas training stint.