WINNO'S SIXTY SECONDS WITH ... DARRYL MCCABE

By Darren Winningham with Darryl McCabe | Friday, January 27, 2017

DARRYL MCCABE

What is your role in racing?

Truck driver and Number 1 strapper with Matthew Dunn Racing at Murwillumbah.

(The truck is pretty flash – a big maroon truck with the Matthew Dunn logo and writing on it. In Darryl’s words “she is a goodun – makes life comfortable”. “The truck has only just got 1,500,000 miles on it. It has just been broken in!”

Do you have a nickname?

Kakka - cannot say how and why in this forum!

How long have you been with Matthew?

Nearly two years now.

Best thing you like about your work?

Combines everything I have ever done. I have driven trucks interstate for around 18 years and I trained horses myself for 10 years – so it just combines both my skills and passions.

Your fondest memory of working for Matthew?

Nothing in particular – every race meeting is the same to me, whether it is a big one or a small one. If we get winners it keeps everyone happy. I am a happy chappy anyway!

Best thing you like about your work?

Working with the horses.

What do you do when you cannot sleep?

Take a sleeping tablet.

What time do you get up to start work?

I don’t start early – some days if we need to go the beach or somewhere, maybe early. Otherwise different times and days when required. I really do not have any set routine.

How do you prefer to be woken up in the morning?

I just wake up early normally most days. I am divorced now so none of that other stuff happens anymore!

A memorable day you have had as a foreman?

When Matt trains three or four winners in a day. You feel proud for Matt and proud for yourself and the team as you are associated with the group.

What was the turning point in your career?

When EI (Equine Influenza) struck I had ten horses in work and it was too much work for me. So I gave it up and came up here to Northern NSW and started driving trucks again and became involved with Matthew Dunn Racing.

What are you always late for?

I am never late!

If you retired from working with Matthew Dunn what would you do?

I can go back to driving trucks again but I would like to try my hand as a horse trainer again.

What is your favourite music?

Rock AC/DC – Country Music as well.

What is your favourite musician?

AC/DC.

What is the most embarrassing song on your phone?

Summer Time by Janis Joplin. Actually people complain because when I get pissed I start singing it loud!

What is your favourite gadget?

My phone.

What would you chose as your last meal?

Chinese meal.

Name one person who you want to have dinner with?

Bart Cummings – he was a knowledgeable man and in this industry you never stop learning!

Name one thing you could not live without?

A cigarette after a coffee.

What is your greatest fear?

No fears! I have been bashed by the biggest and the ugliest!

NRL/AFL favourite team?

NRL – Roosters.

State of Origin time – NSW or QLD?

QLD – just to make you happy Winno! I have to follow them I was born in Rockhampton!

Who do you talk most to on the phone?

My mum – she lives in Orange and I like to keep in contact with her.

What are you grateful for everyday?

Hop up and breathe and be fit and happy.

What do you like to put on a sandwich?

Anything really – I love to give anything a go.

What is the most unusual thing you put on a sandwich?

A steak sandwich – with honey on it. But you must slice the steak up first then drizzle the honey over it! It heats up and goes through the steak beautiful – with some onion and no sauce!

What toppings do you like on your pizza?

Supreme pizzas ... love them!

How do you define success?

Being able to hold your head up high and walking around with a smile on your face.

Who is you man crush?

Jared Waerea Hargreaves – Roosters NRL player. (Winno said “you are kidding he is ugly as a hat full of ....”)

Tell us something that may surprise us about you?

There is not much to tell really. When I go out and have a beer I tell everyone everything so there is no secrets or stuff people do not know about me already! Perhaps ... I was a horse trainer at Orange!

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

At the moment probably have it on one of Matthew Dunn’s horses – the stable is firing!

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