The Idol Horse Media Network

The Hong Kong International Races are nearly here and the Idol Horse team is right across all four races. Andrew Le Jeune, David Morgan and Andrew Hawkins analyse the Sprint, Mile, Cup and Vase ahead of HKIR on December 8.

Andrew Le Jeune speaks with trainer Richard Freedman about the Melbourne Cup, the importance of vet protocols and the rise of the mega stable. Freedman reflects on the glory days of "F.B.I." and the challenges faced by the next generation of trainers.

In this engaging conversation, legendary jockey Brett Prebble shares insights from his illustrious career, including his transition to a media role, the emotional challenges of retirement and his intense rivalry with Douglas Whyte in Hong Kong. He reflects on the importance of connections with horses and trainers, particularly John Size, and discusses the qualities that make a champion horse. Prebble's candid anecdotes and reflections provide a unique perspective on Hong Kong racing.

In this conversation, Steven Arnold reflects on his experiences with the legendary racehorse So You Think, discussing the horse's remarkable career, including his victories in the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup. Arnold shares insights into the pressures and expectations of riding such a champion, the celebrations following significant wins, and the legacy that So You Think has left in the racing world. The discussion also touches on Arnold's personal reflections on missed opportunities and the impact of So You Think's international success.

In this episode of the Idol Horse Podcast, host Andrew Le Jeune speaks with jockey Oisin Murphy about his recent successes, including his fourth British Jockey' Championship. Murphy opens up on balancing commitments across various racing circuits, the importance of setting goals and the physical demands of being a jockey. The star jockey also shares insights on the upcoming Breeders' Cup, some of the best horses he has ridden and the differences in racing rules across countries, particularly the contentious whip rules.

When jockey Harry Bentley reflects on his career-defining moments, one horse – and race – stands out: the exceptional sprinter Limato and his victory in the 2016 July Cup. Harry talks about the significance of the July Cup at Newmarket, the preparation and confidence leading up to the race, and the thrill of winning at the Group One level. Bentley shares insights into Limato's unique talent, consistency, and the importance of training facilities like Kingston Warren. He also reflects on missed opportunities in racing and the mental resilience required to cope with losses and mistakes, concluding with a look towards future guests and stories in the world of horse racing.

In this conversation, Kerrin McEvoy reflects on his experiences in the Melbourne Cup, particularly his victory on Almandin. He shares insights into the preparation leading up to the race, the thrill of the finish, and the importance of confidence and strategy in racing. McAvoy also discusses the significance of celebrating victories, the lessons learned from losses, and his aspirations for the future, including a desire to win the VRC Derby. He highlights the mentorship he received throughout his career and suggests a future guest for the podcast.

James Doyle reflects on his pivotal victory aboard Cityscape in the 2012 Dubai Duty Free, discussing the journey leading up to that night, the race itself, and the emotional impact of winning his first Group 1. He shares insights into his career, the influence of trainer Roger Charlton, and the lessons learned from both victory and missed opportunity.

"He was an absolute superstar." Legendary race caller Jim McGrath talks to Andrew Le Jeune about the mighty Sea The Stars and his win in the 2009 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Jim also shares his thoughts on the modern Melbourne Cup: is it a better race now than it was before international participation?

Racing in Macau stopped six months ago but former trainer Geoff Allendorf still goes to the stables every morning, just like he has since childhood, taking care of his horses. Allendorf’s three decades-plus career in Asian racing ended when the Macau Jockey Club ran its last races on March 30 this year but Allendorf remains here on a promise to owners and through his own love of horses. “The owners all went into a panic because they love their horses,” Allendorf told the Idol Horse Podcast. “So I said to them, I'll guarantee I will stay in the Macau Jockey Club (MJC) until your horse leaves Macau.”

When it was announced that Mark Newnham would be headed to Hong Kong at age 55 he was adamant it was a 'one way ticket' and he would train there until he retired. Mark had worked in Sydney racing for the previous 40 years, in stables, as a mature-aged apprentice, then jockey, assistant and trainer, so we thought he'd be the perfect person to provide some perspective on racing in New South Wales, where prizemoney is booming, but independent and educated industry views are sometimes hard to find. Mark also talks about the whip: do jockeys really need to carry a whip in a race as an instrument of safety?

Star jockey Umberto Rispoli relives his 2012 QE II Cup win on Rulership, describing the Japanese raider’s emphatic Sha Tin victory as “still the best memory I have in my life as a rider…”. Plus, Rispoli reflects on a potentially missed opportunity in the Breeders’ Cup.

A conversation with Andrew Rule, an accomplished crime author and investigative journalist, covers his passion for horse racing and his involvement in the film 'A Horse Called Winx'. The film tells the story of the legendary racehorse Winx and her trainer Chris Waller. Rule shares his experience in horse racing journalism and the changes he has witnessed in the industry. He also shares his views on the challenges the sport faces in the modern age and what needs to be done to combat them. Afterwards, Idol Horse Editor Michael Cox chats with journalist Cameron Williams, who conducted the interviews for the film with Winx's trainer Chris Waller and regular jockey Hugh Bowman.

David Eustace faces a daunting task ahead of his first season in Hong Kong. He speaks to Andrew Le Jeune about his plans for the 2024/25 season, why he will be taking a patient approach and the trainers he has sought advice from in Hong Kong.

Tommy Berry joins Andrew Le Jeune to tell the story behind one of Hong Kong racing's most memorable match-ups: the 2014 Hong Kong Derby. It's not often a race lives up to the hype. This time it did.

“Even after this place is bulldozed, I hope we will still be able to remember it. It is going to be gone soon and I never want to forget it.” In 2023, the decision to end 180 years of horse racing history in Singapore hit the tight-knit racing community hard. Filmmaker James Gray - who grew up around his trainer father Stephen's Kranji stable - set about paying tribute to the humans and horses that made Kranji such a special place. The result is this documentary film, 'Pakcik-Pakcik Saya: My Uncles', Gray's 'time capsule' that forever preserves what horse racing in Singapore meant to its people.