Robert Wellwood
TDN AusNZ: Where are you from and what is your earliest racing memory?
RW: "I grew up on an apple orchard on the East Coast of the North Island (Hawke's Bay). My parents weren't horsey at all; however, when I got the bug they were incredibly supportive and mum and I would be off around the country most weekends to compete at show jumping shows.
As a boy, I would regularly watch the races at my grandad's house, but my first vivid racing memory was when Military Move won the New Zealand Derby and Michael Walker did one of the greatest celebrations.
From there, Black Caviar played a big part in getting me getting hooked on racing, it always intrigued me how she was just so much better than the best (now I'm on the hunt for my own Black Caviar!)."
Robert Wellwood (left)
TDN AusNZ: What was the biggest highlight of your year?
RW: "A highlight for me was seeing the progression Rondinella made last season. She began the season as a one-win horse and closed out the season being placed twice at WFA Group 1 level on both sides of the Tasman."
TDN AusNZ: What do you love most about your job?
RW: "Making people happy. There is no better feeling than seeing winning owners after a race."
TDN AusNZ: Do you have a favourite horse in work right now? Why?
RW: "Hanger has always been a favourite of mine. Although he doesn't come without quirks, he has a very cool attitude and if he was human I'd say we'd be mates!"
TDN AusNZ: Do you have any superstitions or race day rituals?
RW: "I am rather superstitious about were I watch races, and prefer to watch them alone on a TV. Also every now and again I might get out the 'lucky' pair of underpants."
TDN AusNZ: What's the most used saying/word around the stables?
RW: "I can't think of one particular word or saying off the top of my head, but there is always good banter flying around the barn, we have a great crew of staff."
TDN AusNZ: Who do you think is a rising star in the racing industry? (person, not horse)
RW: "Hard to narrow it down to one person. I am very fortunate to have a great group of friends of which I believe many will grow to be industry leaders of the future."
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry?
RW: "I would love to see more young people getting into the industry that are passionate and want to establish a career in racing."
TDN AusNZ: If you weren't in the racing industry what would you be doing?
RW: "I would more than likely be in banking. I completed a degree in finance at Waikato University and if it wasn't for my passion for racing, I more than likely would have gone down that path."
