Former Newcastle Knights forward Darren Treacy is experiencing Broadmeadow racetrack from an entirely new perspective this weekend, trading football boots for training duties in one of the Hunter's premier racing events.
From Rugby League Pains to Training Gains
The 54-year-old Novocastrian remembers the Newcastle racetrack all too well from his days under legendary Knights coach Malcolm Reilly, whose brutal conditioning sessions included interval training on the course proper. "We used to start at the 1400, sprint to the 1200, jog, sprint to the 900 and do all interval work," Treacy recalled of those demanding sessions.
Now based at Old Bar, Treacy returns to the same track on Saturday with Ghayoor, his promising filly contesting the Group 3 Spring Stakes for three-year-olds. This marks his first runner in a stakes race since obtaining his trainer's licence two years ago.
Racing Passion Born in Newcastle
Treacy's connection to horse racing runs deep, beginning when he was just 18 years old working with trainer Noel Mayfield-Smith in Newcastle. "I've just always been into them," said the former second-rower, who played 208 top-grade games across the Knights, St George Illawarra, Parramatta and English club Salford.
After retiring from professional football, Treacy tried his hand at coaching in Newcastle Rugby League and pub ownership before the racing industry called him back. "Eventually, they said, 'Give it a go', and here I am," he explained.
His training career started promisingly when Dance Dance Dance scored an upset victory as rank outsider in the Provincial Maiden Plate at Newcastle last February.
Taking on Racing's Best
Despite Ghayoor opening as a $126 chance for the $250,000 Spring Stakes, Treacy remains undaunted by the challenge. "I understand that," he said of the long odds. "The small trainer, very new to the game, and that's racing. You always back the big names."
The mentality mirrors his approach during his rugby league career. "I wanted to play against the best. Now, I want to race against the best."
Treacy has drawn inspiration from prominent Newcastle trainers Kris Lees and the late Sam Kavanagh while implementing methods from his football days. "Basically, I train them how I used to get fit, but not as demanding because they're stronger but they can break down a lot easier than a human," he revealed.
The Spring Stakes forms part of the Newcastle Herald Hunter Race Day, with the feature event being The Hunter, offering $1 million in prizemoney. Newcastle Jockey Club chief executive Duane Dowell anticipates a record crowd for this year's instalment after 6000 attendees last year.
For Treacy, who grew up in Barnsley and still has family in the area, Saturday represents a special homecoming. "Newcastle was where I got my first winner, and so I'm hoping this could be my first stakes winner at my home track," he said, acknowledging that the racetrack he once dreaded for conditioning sessions now holds much fonder appeal.
