The careers of several Australian racehorse trainers have been honoured in book form, but none have had a more human story to offer than Pat Webster. What a journey, what a career, what a life!
Pat’s racing career began when he gained an apprenticeship with Betty Lane in the tiny township of Geurie. Betty later carved a special place in history when she became the first female to be granted a trainer’s licence by the AJC Committee. She provided Pat’s first winner Valley Forge at Gulgong.
Pat’s indentures were later transferred to the laconic Bernie Byrnes at Randwick. Byrnes said little but let his horses do the talking. He trained only a small team, but was rarely without a smart one. One such horse was Medieval Maestro, Pat’s first city winner and one of his all time favourites.
Apprentice Pat Webster was taller than most apprentices of the day and his weight was constantly creeping up. He had a ton of talent and rode 76 winners before a horror fall at Rosehill brought his riding career to a premature end.
Image courtesy Peter Christie - Greg Radley grabs a word with Pat Webster at the launch of "Don't Die Wondering"
Pat actually walked away from racing for a lengthy period. He acquired a rigger’s ticket and worked on the Sydney waterfront for six years.
He didn’t expect miracles when he started training, but quickly showed an aptitude to the business and has rarely been without a handy horse .He’s been a great conditioner of racehorses and has always placed his runners with judgement.
Pat trained many a handy galloper before his once in a lifetime horse came along. Skilfully managed by his astute trainer Happy Clapper has raced at the top level for several seasons accumulating over $7.2 million in prize money. The iron gelding has won three Gr 1 races, a tally he would have doubled without the presence of the freakish Winx. He clashed with the champion eleven times and was second to her on five occasions at Gr 1 level.
Far away from the euphoria of the winner’s circle, Pat and his wife Chrissy have coped with son Patrick Junior’s long term heroin addiction. This trauma was the catalyst for Pat’s role as an accredited drugs and alcohol counsellor with Racing NSW. Pat mentors young jockeys about the demands of their careers and the perils of early success.
Image courtesy Peter Christie - The Webster family got together on the occasion of the book launch.
He’s also an ambassador for the Racing Mates initiative which supports country racing participants who are struggling in a very tough business.
Pat Webster is a man with a huge heart and a very open mind. He’ll listen to everybody’s story and do his utmost to help those in genuine need of wise counsel.
New Holland have published this great new racing story. It’s called Don’t Die Wondering masterfully crafted by Alan J. Whiticker with a foreword by Pat’s long time loyal owner Gerry Harvey. Proceeds from book sales will be donated to the Salvation Army.
Image courtesy Peter Christie - Peter Christie snapped this one of Pat and Chrissie Webster in the old Randwick jockey's room where Pat spent a lot of time as an apprentice jockey.
(Banner image courtesy Peter Christie - Pat with his once in a lifetime horse Happy Clapper.)