You couldn’t have squeezed one more person into the Shirley Turnbull Memorial presentation ceremony - courtesy Bathurst Harness Racing Club.
Great to catch up with Bathurst based harness horseman Mat Rue who at age 32 is already nearing 1000 career driving wins. He begins by acknowledging the brilliant win by his favourite Fouroeight in the recent Shirley Turnbull Memorial.
Mat talks of his admiration for Fouroeight who shattered his pelvis as a 3YO. Mat says the gelding’s attitude to racing is astonishing.
He talks of a handful of special horses who saved his sanity during Fouroeight’s long absence.
Mat looks back on his early life at Canowindra and his obsession with standardbreds from an early age. He pays tribute to his father Ken and uncle Greg Rue - both top horsemen.
The young trainer remembers the horse who triggered his driving career.
Mat looks back on his early education with top trainer Bernie Hewitt, and the support he received from the Kevin Hurst stable.
He reflects on the job offer from Luke McCarthy which would lead him to undreamed success including a Miracle Mile triumph.
Mat looks back on a quick trip to America with his partner Gemma Hewitt. He landed a job with expat Aussie Noel Daly which led him to 29 race drives - no winners but tremendous experience.
Back in Australia Mat returned to the Bernie Hewitt stable. This time he was permitted to train a small team of his own.
He reflects on his marriage to Gemma who became the stable trainer while Mat enjoyed great success as a freelance driver.
Rue pays tribute to two people whose expertise and loyalty enables him to run a successful training operation from the Bathurst Showground.
Mat talks of partner Madi Young who works another job, but helps out when time permits.
(Banner image - Who better to present the Shirley Turnbull Memorial Trophy than the legendary Steve Turnbull - courtesy Bathurst Harness Racing Club.)
Mat Rue was just 22 when he won the 2013 Miracle Mile on Baby Bling - courtesy Club Menangle.
Mat was elated to win the Shirley Turnbull Memorial on all time favourite Fouroeight - courtesy Bathurst Harness Racing Club.
Mat’s 2013 Miracle Mile win didn’t give him as big a buzz as his Shirley Turnbull win on Fouroeight - courtesy Bathurst Harness Racing Club.