News

Bargain buy puts Bendigo trainer in racing spotlight

8th Nov 2012

Bendigo Advertiser - Adam Bourke - Thursday, 8 November 2012

PAUL Banks is not your everyday horse trainer.

The Sutton Grange-based hobby trainer doesn’t want regally-bred horses in his care or 40 gallopers in his stable.

“If you gave me $100,000 I’d buy a house not a horse,’’ Banks said this week.

“For me it’s all about economics and fun. I don’t spend big money on horses.

“Anyone who thinks these things (horses) can make you money have rocks in their head.”

As it turns out, Banks’ latest bargain buy could earn him his biggest pay cheque in racing today, when she contests the $1million VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington.

Her name is Finnegan Beginegan.

Banks’ dream was to run Finnegan Beginegan in the Oaks when he purchased the filly for just $1800 at a mixed-sale ring at Inglis in May.

While most scoffed at his long-range plan, Banks stuck to his guns.

“Finnegan wasn’t given an opportunity (by previous owners),’’ Banks said.

“Everyone said she was too short in the neck and very front on.

“They didn’t look down her back there. That’s where the motor is.

“There’s good in every horse and I love the challenge of getting the good out of them.”

The self-confessed horse rejuvenator has a good record of turning rejects into racehorses.

Sprinter Armani Black was given to him for nothing after running last at its first two starts.

He’s now won nine races and earned more than $70,000 in prizemoney.

Banks purchased Rouen for $2000 – the gelding has won more than $20,000 in stakemoney.

Four-year-old mare My Weather Girl had never finished within five lengths of the winner in her nine career starts before joining Banks’ stable.

At her first start for Banks she won a St Arnaud maiden.

Banks said he doesn’t have miracle therapies or different training styles to turn around the form of the castoffs.

“This environment helps,’’ Banks said of his 150-acre property at Sutton Grange.

“The main thing is you have to make sure the horse is happy and healthy.

“If the horse is happy and healthy, you have some chance.”

Banks runs a specialised advertising and marketing firm as his office job.

He said working his horses before going to “work” was a benefit to his business.

“It’s an opportunity to think and plan my day,’’ he said.

“As l’m in a creative-style business, it’s great way to start the day.

“However, I must admit my focus has been on this three-year-old filly by Reset for the last week or so.”

Success for Finnegan Beginegan in the Oaks today won’t change Banks’ attitude to being a trainer.

“I was much more serious about it in my younger days,’’ Banks said.

“I actually wanted to be a jockey when I was younger, but I like the good life too much and I quickly realised I was never going to be a jockey.

“I’ve been training on and off for the best part of 20 years, but I only do it for about six months of the year.

“Work is very busy and I spend a lot of time travelling.

“After the Oaks I’ll race a couple of horses up the bush until early December and then I’ll pull the pin on training for a while.

“I’ll spend my time away from work playing polo or down the beach.”

Where Finnegan Beginegan finishes today will determine what brand of champagne Banks is sipping at the beach.

“For small-time trainers, the Oaks and the Derby are the only races we can have a crack at with a little bit of confidence,’’ Banks said.

“You’re working with three-year-olds and if you can find one with staying ability you’re some chance.

“That’s why I’m hoping Finnegan Beginegan can be competitive in the Oaks.

“Every time I’ve asked her for more she’s done it. She’s improved from her last run.

“I’d love it if she could finish in the top eight. That would be fantastic.”