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WINNO'S SUNDAY SIXTY SECONDS WITH ... ADAM CAMPTON - RACING SPECIALIST AT THE HKJC

By Darren Winningam with Adam Campton | Sunday, May 5, 2019

Adam Campton is a Racing Specialist at the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), specifically being in charge of looking after the young members and young owners - a job he enjoys and loves and one which he says has taught him so much.

This is Adam’s second year in the role and as we sat down at Sha Tin and I prepare to ask the hard questions, he orders a coffee and looks around, seemingly contemplating life.

Who would have thought that I would be sitting across the table from him at Sha Tin racecourse a couple of days before FWD Champion’s Day. How things have changed showing how racing can bring different people together in different places and how fortunate I am to have access to successful hard-working people within this industry.

Adam speaks about one of his desires - to becoming a horse trainer and about his ambition to succeed in life. He is a well measured young man who has had some wonderful life experiences as you will read in this interview. He is a loyal person with much integrity and he enjoys the respect of his friends and peers.

Despite having had fun over the years with Adam at the track with photos and other taunts, I have always wanted to sit down with him and chat about life – where he has come from and what makes him so motivated to achieve in whatever he sets about doing in his career.

I was not disappointed with our chat … and nor will you be.

PLUS – I got the scoop that everyone asked me to press him on – OR DID I?

Read on and find out – I am certain you will enjoy this one!

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Where were you born?

“Sydney and raised in Castle Hill.

“My father is Neil Campton – a great jockey and later turned horse trainer at Rosehill. As a youngster I was never really into racing. Instead I chose to play Rugby League and cricket. Then, at about 15, the bug got me and I started reading Best Bets and doing the form.”

Were you any good at footy?

“I was okay … at some stage at school they changed us from League to Union.”

What about cricket then?

“I played a lot of cricket as a kid. I was a solid righthand batsman.” (Winno’s response – ‘You know you stand on the wrong side of the bat Campo – all the good batsman are left handed!’)

Have you a nickname?

“Campo. You know I used to call you FAT CAT! That is when I was fat – I think we both were nearly a dead heat!” (Winno’s response – ‘That is pretty unfair’).

Fondest memories of Racing – you can have a few here.

“I was very close with my late grandfather – Les Coles. He was a great jockey. He was fortunate enough to win the 1962 Caulfield and Melbourne Cup double on Even Stevens. He was an incredible man and a gentleman he taught me a lot about racing and life in general.

“I am a huge WINX fan and now locally I am a Beauty Generation fan.”

(Winno’s response - ‘I bet you are not a mad fan like me of Beauty Generation … I have the key rings, the money box, the stuffed toys and the socks – can you beat that)?

What is the best thing you like about your work at the HKJC?

“I love it! I get to do a lot of different things. I work with some wonderful people and professional people who have taught me a lot. A lot of people say you have to work on your Sundays – but seriously it is pretty easy coming to work at Sha Tin on a Sunday – it is a beautiful race track and then again on a Wednesday night going to the unique Happy Valley. They are very good the way they treat their owners, their members, their staff the trainers and jockeys. It is a place that have taught me a lot about racing.”

Okay – what is the best race track in the World that you have been to?

“Happy Valley for sure! It is so unique - look at the venue - set in amongst the city and surrounding buildings and the skyline. Sha Tin a great race track to have a bet – it is a big open track where every horse gets their chance. Happy Valley is a tight turning track where you do need the horse but it is all about the jockey and his split decision to go.”

Do you drive a car?

“I do not drive a car in Hong Kong – I actually get taxis everywhere! If I go and play golf then I am pretty lucky I go with someone that is driving or has a driver.”

Hold on ... what about back in Australia … did you drive a car?

“Yes, I did – it was a little Mercedes Benz.”

What do you think about when you are alone in your car?

“Not traffic again! Then again, I just love to put the music on and drive.”

What do you do when you cannot sleep?

“I just get on my phone and start browsing and watching things. It annoys Tayla when I do it as well.” (Tayla is Adam’s partner). Normally the nights I can’t sleep is Wednesday nights after the races at Happy Valley. So I just start watching the racing replays and reviewing the races.”

Now I was going to get to Tayla Whalley – that was planned later Campo …. but since you have brought her up - may just jump to those questions!

Who cooks at the house?


“I do – I do the cooking. She does the cleaning!” (Here we go punters! WINNO is sceptical – time to go for the jugular).

What can you cook?

“I try everything to be honest – but when I am missing home I love to cook a steak.”

Now does Tayla cook at all?

“Well WINNO – she has got better.”

What does that actually mean Campo?

“Well she used to be able to burn water!”

Okay what is her favourite dish she cooks or … if you say so … slaughters? (I was led to say this Ms Whalley – WINNO is only making conversation at this point).

"Well she cooks eggs in the morning for breakfast very good – she cooks poached eggs well.”

How would you rate her poached eggs on the morning?

“Well if they are not too over cooked, I would give them a 9 out of 10.”

Campo it seems WINNO and you are connoisseurs of poached eggs! Look I think we both agree they have to be a little bit gooey in the middle right?

“100% WINNO – if they are not runny, they are no good!” (Ms Tayla Whalley please take note!)

When you are in trouble or want to redeem yourself what do you do?

“Luckily, I do not get myself in that much trouble!” (Winno’s response: – Bullshit!) “But – look if I do get in trouble. I buy her some flowers or take her for lunch or dinner somewhere.”

Chocolates of Flowers for your partner?

“She likes flowers but she does love chocolates as well – she has got a bit of a sweet tooth. She does cost me a fortune. She loves roses – she does have an expensive taste.”

Now Campo – you know that Winno loves an exclusive – I like to know most things before anyone else. But this one bit of information has eluded me for over two years now with you – are you going to come clean here today at Sha Tin racecourse. (I mean I did shout him breakfast – well maybe not - the HKJC put it on).

Campo you can trust me. I will not say anything. Jimmy Orman and Heidi (Tayla’s sister) are having a baby. I told no one until they were ready – that is the level of secrecy I can hold. I reiterate you can trust me!

The question that everyone back home has requested – well actually demanded that I ask you is … when are you going to get on one knee and propose to Tayla – and you know that I have been saying the day you do it you are going to have to get a crane to help yourself get back up.

AGAIN, THE QUESTION IS …. WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO PROPOSE?

Now my spies Campo also tell me that you have been seen in the local jewellery stores recently …


“Look Winno … let’s just say when the time is right I will definitely propose to Tayla. I am definitely lucky to have her here with me in Hong Kong. She is a great girl and a she has a great family as well. So, when the time is right, I WILL pop the question.” (Winno’s response - At this point I am filthy. Despite all the effort – the wandering around the question - the mighty Campo dodges the date – time and place again! (well played Campo)

OK, change of tack. Jockeys start work early in the morning. What time do you get up and what time do you start work?

“Depends if I have to come to trials at the race course the time can vary between 6.00am and 7.00am. Otherwise, I start between 8.30am and 9.00am in the office.”

How do you prefer to be woken in the morning?

“By myself!” (At this point he is laughing - I thought it was a simple question!) “Normally I set my alarm on my phone and it goes off and I get up. But, don’t worry I press the snooze button a couple of times!”

Around the track who is the biggest pest in Hong Kong?

“Neil Callan.”

What about in Australia?

“You would be up there Winno with them!” (Winno’s response - What about the other Darren) “You mean Darren Wilson – yes well, he can be a pest sometimes, but he is a champion!”

The biggest joker in Hong Kong?

“Zac Purton – he has a great sense of humour.”

What about in Australia?

“Malcolm Johnson – he is a pretty good joker.”

What are you always late for?

“I try not to be late for anything. If I am running late it is due to Tayla taking ages to get ready and making me late!” (Winno’s response - I can see a dozen roses being ordered when she reads this)

If you were not doing your current work what do you think you would do for a job?

“Prior to this I was a bookmaker.” (Winno’s response – no way!) “I was a bookmaker for six years – it taught me a lot. If I wasn’t doing this wonderful job at the HKJC I would love to be doing a stable manager for a big stable back in Australia."

What is your favourite music?

“I listen to anything.”

Who is your favourite musician?

“I do not have one.”

What is the most embarrassing song on you IPOD of IPHONE?

“I actually have some Biebs (Justin Bieber) on there somewhere. Then in a public place he starts singing the words Baby, Baby, Baby, Oh … “ (At this point Winno hides under the table)

What is the most embarrassing photo on your iPhone?

“Look I have got plenty of mates that send me stuff late at night and probably regret it the next morning. I won’t name any of them here – but they know who they are!”

If you could choose anyone in the world to have dinner with – who and why?

“Well other than yourself Winno … (Winno’s response - mate that is such an awesome compliment – you know you would be paying!) … This is a tough question. I am struggling. (Winno suggests Adam’spop.) “If I could bring him back the definitely – he taught me so much and was a great man!”

You will probably have to buy Jimmy Orman dinner soon …

“That will not be happening. He will be buying me dinner – HE HAS GOT PLENTY!” (At this point he has gone to his phone and starts scrolling through who he follows on Instagram and Twitter).

“Back to your question … I would have loved to have sat down with Muhammed Ali one on one. I think he was incredible – just incredible. So confident. Everything he did was so good. He was a champion – he seemed like a very humble man away from the ring and he did a lot for what he believed in. I think that’s a very loyal person. He’s the one I would like to have dinner with.

If you could invite five people to a BBQ who would they be?

“My mum – Tiger Woods – Muhammed Ali – WINX – Daniel Ricciardo and my best mate Rob.”

Name three things you could not live without.

“My phone – I would be lost without it. Coffee. I had better say Tayla.” (Here come the chocolates to go with those roses).

What is your greatest fear?

“Failure.”

Would you ever go skydiving or bungee jumping?

"Skydiving for sure."

Have you ever done it?

“Not yet.”

If you won Lotto – what would be the first thing you would do with the money?

“Probably buy some horses.”

Where do you like to travel to – holidays etc

“Anywhere relaxing. I loved Europe when I went there. I have travelled to New York and loved it as well. In the racing off season here Tayla and I are heading to Koh Samui for a friend’s wedding.” (He assures me it is not his.) Then we are travelling to Ireland and Italy.”

Do you watch much TV?

“Not really.”

What is your favourite show on TV?

“I love Peaky Blinders on Netflix.”

Favourite movie?

“8 seconds – a movie about a bull rider.”

As a child what was your favourite TV show?

“The Dirt Bike Kid – it was about a motor bike robot thing that did magical things.”

Winter sports are here. NRL – The Broncos – they are going awful.”

“Maybe there is a job for me there next year in the marketing area!” (Winno’s response - I think we should stop right here. You know how much I dislike this team!).

AFL?”

“I didn’t really follow it – but I enjoy it now that I am over here. I follow the Sydney Swans.”

State of Origin – NSW or QLD?

“This is a tough question as I love the Queenslanders. But since I was born and bred in NSW – I had better say the NSW BLUES! (Winno’s response - I cannot believe you – are you a traitor?) “No. I am not WINNO – they are both from Australia right! I was a big fan of Wendall Sailor and Alfie Langer – I used to love them both. Then I was a massive Jonathan Thurston fan!”

Politics – Labour/Liberal/One Nation or Clive Palmer - with our election upon us?

“Whoever I thought I would do best by the country.” (Winno’s response - That is such a politically incorrect answer - you will get splinters sitting on the fence like that!)

If you could ask one question to Donald Trump what would it be?

“What goes through his head?”

Would you have a round of golf with Donald Trump?

“Definitely.”

Would you play $50 a hole with him?

“Look Winno, his bank balance is a lot bigger than mine – I think I would find it hard to keep up with him!”

Who do you speak to most often on the phone?

“Tayla or my mum.”

Who is your man crush?

“David Beckham as he is a cool guy.”

Who is your female crush?

“I probably should say Tayla Whalley.” (Here comes that lunch or dinner). “Any of the Victoria Secret Angels.”

Do you have a favourite fragrance?

“Dior.”

Does Tayla have one?

“Sometimes I actually use her deodorant if I run out – it smells pretty good! In regard to fragrance – normally whatever Heidi buys her (she is the go-to on fragrances).”

What are you grateful for everyday?

“That I get to wake up every day.”

What inspires you?

“People who tell me I cannot do something.”

What item or landmark symbolises Australia to you?

“The Harbour Bridge. I’ve never climbed it but that is something I will do.” (Maybe this is the location of the proposal people).

Sandwiches – what do you put on them?

“I love sandwiches. I miss being at home and having a nice fresh ham off the bone multi grain sandwich – a little bit of butter and some salt and pepper! You can even put lettuce, tomato. cheese and beetroot on it.Maybe even Nando’s hot sauce.”

Do you have something unusual you put on a sandwich?

“Chilli’s – plenty of them – something hot! I love chillies on a sandwich.”

Who is fatter you or Mitchell Speers?

“I think we both have the same waist line at the moment,” (Winno’s response – I’m disappointed. That’s not the answer I wanted) … “but he has got a fatter wallet than me – HE HAS GOT PLENTY!”

PIZZAs – do you like them?

“I love them.”

What is your favourite topping?

“Supreme with Chillies on it.”

Where do you buy them?

“In Hong Kong – there is a place at the front of Happy Valley that make a awesome pizza – it is called Mickey Bees.”

What about back in Australia?

“I am a big fan of an area near Sydney – the suburb called Haberfield they make traditional Italian dough and make amazing pizzas.”

What is your favourite drink?

“A cold beer.”

How do you define success?

“I suppose having a family and your family looks up to you and they say they have done a good job.”

Are you giving me that EXCLUSIVE … the SCOOP – you are saying Tayla is pregnant?

“No winno– definitely not! I would like to think that some day, as I get older, and I have some kids that it happens to me!”

Tell us something that might surprise us about you that not many people know?

“I would like to think that I am a pretty open person – tell anyone anything! I can be shy sometimes.”

Do you have any pets?

“Not in Hong Kong.”

What about back in Australia?

“When I was young, I had an American Staffy called Boston and a chihuahua called Rocket. He lived until he was 17 years old – he was a little trooper.”

You are down to your last $10 – what would you spend it on?

“I’d back Zac Purton in the next race at Happy Valley.”

Now look that formalities are over – one last chance to come clean and tell me when you will propose to Tayla … COME ON – we are all waiting!

“Maybe soon if she is lucky!”

So, there you have it readers – that is the SCOOP finally. In the mean time I have been stalking Campo and can divulge the jewellery shop that he has frequented – it is in the photos adjoining the story! Tayla I would suggest you carefully consider what ring/s you want!

As usual – thanks for spending 60 seconds with WINNO (and enjoy the free breakfast CAMPO)

More articles


Adam and Winno … breakfast and a 'sixty seconds' chat at Sha Tin ...
Adam and Winno … breakfast and a 'sixty seconds' chat at Sha Tin ...
… getting into it
… getting into it
Adam and Tayla -  “Luckily, I do not get myself in that much trouble!, said Adam. “But – look if I do get in trouble. I buy her some flowers or take her for lunch or dinner somewhere. She likes flowers but she does love chocolates as well – she has got a bit of a sweet tooth. She does cost me a fortune. She loves roses – she does have an expensive taste.”
Adam and Tayla - “Luckily, I do not get myself in that much trouble!, said Adam. “But – look if I do get in trouble. I buy her some flowers or take her for lunch or dinner somewhere. She likes flowers but she does love chocolates as well – she has got a bit of a sweet tooth. She does cost me a fortune. She loves roses – she does have an expensive taste.”
Tayla and Heidi  … “Sometimes I actually use Tayla's deodorant if I run out – it smells pretty good! But, in regard to selecting fragrances Heidi is the go-to girl,” said Adam
Tayla and Heidi … “Sometimes I actually use Tayla's deodorant if I run out – it smells pretty good! But, in regard to selecting fragrances Heidi is the go-to girl,” said Adam
Darren and Janelle …
Darren and Janelle … "Like Winno, Darren Wilson can be a pest sometimes, but he is a champion," confided Adam
Adam with Jimmy Orman …
Adam with Jimmy Orman … "No, I won't be buying Jimmy dinner anytime soon," said Adam. "That will not be happening. He will be buying me dinner – HE HAS GOT PLENTY!”
Adam and Hong Kong champion Beauty Generation
Adam and Hong Kong champion Beauty Generation
Adam … always the standout
Adam … always the standout
Winno has been stalking Campo and can divulge the jewellery shop that he has frequented (see picture above) ...
Winno has been stalking Campo and can divulge the jewellery shop that he has frequented (see picture above) ...
Tayla I would suggest you carefully consider what ring/s you want!
Tayla I would suggest you carefully consider what ring/s you want!
And last but not least … Mitchell Speers gets an honourable mention in dispatches.
And last but not least … Mitchell Speers gets an honourable mention in dispatches. "I think we both have the same waist line at the moment,” said Adam … “but he has got a fatter wallet than me – HE HAS GOT PLENTY!”


Photos: Darren Winningham and Graham Potter
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