Tim Donnelly - Former jockey Mark De Montfort says his attention to detail was second to none - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Great to head bush this week for an interview with Wagga based Tim Donnelly. He begins with a summary of his winning treble at a recent Wagga meeting - his only runners on the day.
The astute trainer highlights some of his best horses since returning to Wagga sixteen years ago.
Tim acknowledges some of the jockeys who’ve contributed to his success in recent years.
He takes us back to his very first job in a racing stable. He started at the top when he landed a job with Tommy Smith who was on the crest of a wave in the Kingston Town era. Tim looks back on his close association with the champion.
Tim talks of the owner who got him on his way as a trainer. He fondly remembers his early days training at Canterbury.
He pays tribute to Volcanic Prince, the horse who launched his training career. Tim also reflects on the beginning of his great partnership with jockey Mark De Montfort.
The trainer pays tribute to the special horses who’ve helped shape his career with special emphasis on the brilliant Quick Flick.
Tim speaks glowingly of the Wagga training facilities and the expertise of course manager Mark Hart.
(Banner image - A great Steve Hart action shot as Quick Flick clings on to beat Encounter (Shane Dye) in the Gr 1 George Ryder Stakes - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.)
A smiling Mark De Montfort brings Quick Flick back to scale after his win in the 1998 George Ryder Stakes - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Tim was very proud to lead Quick Flick back after the Gr 2 Canterbury Stakes at Rosehill 1998. Guineas (Larry Cassidy) and Masked Party (Chris Munce) filled the placings - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
From Tim’s private collection. Kingston Town on the left and Just A Dash shared the same tuft of grass the day before the 1981 Melbourne Cup.
Tim in the Quick Flick era - late 1990s - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.