Bob was a special guest on Sky’s Inside Racing programme 2002.
Bob Lapointe was just 26 years old and didn’t know a soul when he arrived in Australia in 1967. Within a few years he’d become the king of fast food dining in this country. He ventured into varied business interests including horse racing. It wasn’t long before he was leaving his mark on the turf. We caught up with Bob at his beloved Muskoka Farm which he established more than fifty years ago. With a tinge of sadness Bob reveals that he and his wife Wendy will soon be moving on.
Bob takes us back to his early life in Canada and an enrolment in a Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Administration course at Ryerson Uni. He talks of his early interest in the hospitality industry.
He has never forgotten his first meeting with Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Colonel Sanders. He says the colourful character had a huge impact on his life.
Bob says he owned eight KFC stores at home before he left for Australia with a brief to launch the concept here. He recalls feeling very intimidated when he stepped off the plane in Sydney.
Bob’s first job was to lock in a regular supply of chickens. He’s never forgotten his first meeting with Jack and Bob Ingham who were still operating from their original office at Casula.
The entrepreneurial Canadian looks back on a succession of alternative dining concepts around Australia - Pizza Hut, Sizzler and Lone Star Steakhouses.
Bob looks back on his early involvement in the racing industry. He founded Doncaster Bloodstock and appointed the late Les Young to run the business. It was Les who became his chief adviser in the buying and selling of thoroughbreds. Doncaster Bloodstock started with a bang at the Adelaide sales.
A major investment for Bob was the purchase of the state of the art Nebo Lodge training complex at Rosehill. The now defunct establishment was created by Stan Fox. Bob talks of his approach to one of the world’s biggest racehorse owners Robert Sangster. He persuaded Sangster to join him in the Nebo Lodge venture.
He recalls the appointment of young Queenslander Brian Mayfield-Smith as Nebo lodge trainer. The emergence of the new partnership heralded in a new era in Sydney racing. In his very first season, Mayfield-Smith deposed Tommy Smith after a 33 year reign as Sydney’s champion trainer.
Bob looks back on the unique fundraising concept he created in conjunction with Lone Star Restaurants. The Variety Club of Australia benefited greatly in a five year period.
He remembers Iron Horse, the best to carry the Lone Star colours. He reveals that the great old gelding is still hale and hearty in his 30th year.
Bob pays tribute to an elite group of horses he had the good fortune to race with friends and associates.
He acknowledges the talents of his wife Wendy who is a skilled veterinarian and a successful horse trainer. Wendy has also played a major role in the management of Muskoka’s well known training tracks.
This is a wonderful trip down memory lane with a remarkable 80 year old who applied his innate business skills to horse racing with spectacular results.
(Banner image - At the height of the Nebo Lodge glory days - Les Young, Bob, Millie Fox, and Brian Mayfield-Smith - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.)
Twenty one year old Bob Lapointe met Colonel Sanders for the first time in Saskatchewan (Can) in 1962.
Muskoka has been one of Australia’s most in demand pre-training operations for decades. Here is a view of the 2200m grass circuit and crusher dust track.
Bob leads Diamond Shower back to scale after the filly’s win in the 1986 Sires Produce. Jockey is Nigel Tiley, Clerk Of The Course Jack Bryant - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
The Nebo Lodge team mid 1980s. Brian Mayfield-Smith, Jim Cassidy and Bob Lapointe - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Bob with friend and advisor the late Les Young in the office at Nebo Lodge 1980s - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Bob with Imperial Baron after the 1986 Pago Pago Stakes. The colt ran 3rd in the Golden Slipper a week later - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Bob with former ALP Minister John Brown at Nebo Lodge. John filled several portfolios in the Hawke Government but was best known for his achievements as Minister for Sport, Recreation and Tourism - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.