JOHN LEEK (Jnr.)

 

Date of Birth: 19 October 1953.

Town where born: Pakenham, Victoria.

How did you get into racing? Fourth generation, both sides of family.

First Winner/Track (flat and jumper): River Amos/Flemington (jumps) and at Sale (flat) in 1988.

Favourite Track (and why): Oakbank. First biggest race win.

Best thing about being a jumps trainer: The excitement.

Worst thing about being a jumps trainer: After horse has won country races, trying to place them in town consistently with handicaps that still allow them to win.

Best jumper you’ve trained: Vinchiamo.

What is the best jumper you would have loved to have trained: Sharp As.

Who is the best jumping rider you have seen? Harry Green.

What is the best race you have witnessed? Sharp As and Bateau Bay at Sandown in the Australian Hurdle.

What is your best win on the flat? Waterford Crystal Mile, Cox Plate Day.

Outside of racing what are you most passionate about? Enjoying life.

What is your training career goals? To continue to enjoy training and have a small happy team which should then bring success.

What is the strangest (amusing or serious) experience you've ever had in racing? Harry Green doing a strip at Oakbank.

Would you like to tell us something about your family (partner, children, parents etc.)?

My grandfather won the Melbourne Cup - every racing person's dream.