JOHN WHEELER

 

Date of Birth: 23 May 1950

Town where born: New Plymouth, New Zealand.

How did you get into racing? My parents had horses so it was just a natural thing to do.

First Winner/Track (flat and jumper): Zeberance.

Favourite Track (and why): Moonee Valley.

Best thing about being a jumps trainer: Going to Oakbank and Warrnambool.

Worst thing about being a jumps trainer: Still have to get up too early.

Best jumper you’ve trained: St Steven.

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

Who is the best jumping rider you have seen? Brett Scott.

What is the best race you have witnessed? Rough Habit's second Stradbroke win.

What is your best win on the flat? Cox Plate.

Outside of racing what are you most passionate about? Snow skiing, squash, rugby union, golf and almost all other sports.

What is your training career goals? To win the Golden Slipper.

What is the strangest (amusing or serious) experience you've ever had in racing? Our Poetic Prince getting relegated in the Caulfield Guineas (disgusting)..

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

I enjoy going away every year skiing with my wife, Lyndsay and daughter, Kylie and some other friends.

I have been blessed with wonderful parents and brothers and sisters. Mollie, my wife of 60 years who has been an unbelievable supporter, as have my children Pauline, Mark, Kathryn and Frances.