WINNO'S SIXTY SECONDS WITH ... GREG IRVINE

By Darren Winningham with Greg Irvine | Tuesday, January 31, 2017

What is your involvement in racing?

I am currently Media Manager for Magic Millions.

Do you have a nickname?

Not really. I’ve been called plenty of things over the years. Many with four letters, but most times Greg!

How long have you been in the industry?

Virtually all my life. I remember going to the races as a 5yo. I grew up in Ceduna and still love the country non-TAB races. I have worked various roles, mainly in the media sector.

Your fondest memory of working for Magic Millions?

Over the years I’ve worked with some great people – including industry stalwart David Chester. He almost goes back to Archer! Seeing the success of clients with Magic Millions purchases is amazing – whether it be Winx, Buffering, Atlantic Jewel, Mahogany, Subzero, Capitalist, Dance Hero – to country Cups and everything – to see the joy on the faces of people – even a vendor selling a horse or a winning owner later – just incredible.

Best thing you like about your work?

You get to meet such a range of people – from battlers to billionaires and everyone in between. I have been able to form some great friendships and with the races, the horses, the trainers, the jockeys, the sires etc – everything keeps changing – there’s great variety.

What do you do when you cannot sleep?

I am a big reader. Each morning or night I try and read at least three newspapers. I’m forever going through race results and looking up pedigrees. There’s also crosswords – got to keep the brain ticking over.

What time do you get up to start work?

Usually I will be up about 6.30am – but sometimes earlier for morning flights. I do spend a lot of time at airports travelling to races and sales!

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

The best way is to wake up before the alarm. It’s been easier to do that since moving to Queensland – it’s light so early here!

Most memorable day at the track?

The most incredible performance I have seen in the flesh was the Cox Plate win last spring by Winx – who could have thought after breaking the track record the year before she could produce a performance even better. It was a cold day but the best win I’ve seen in person.

A memorable horse you have owned?

This would have to be Swinging Arms – a horse I co-bred and race with an uncle, cousin and a friend. Despite some niggling injuries he’s given us great thrills – with 9 wins from 23 starts so far, He’s twice stakes place – beaten a neck by a triple G1 winner at WFA when backing up within 7 days. He gave me the most special win in February last year when he won the Cycling for Simone Sprint at Morphettville – a race named in honour of an incredible event I helped organise and participated in. The event was held in the honour of my friend Simone Montgomerie who tragically died in a race fall a few years ago in Darwin.

We organised a fundraising event that day many months earlier and a race with trophy for the feature. It turned out the horse, trained by my cousin Scott Trenowden, would run in it. I hardly slept the night before. I can’t explain how incredible it was. Any win is a great buzz – but that was a special day. I remember Paul Gatt coming out to ride him for the first time saying – thanks no pressure at all – as the Advertiser had a double page spread on me, the horse and the event and how much a win would mean to me. God bless Swinging Arms. Simone’s parents presented the trophy and I know she would have been cheering. Her, I, the trainer and the horse were all born on SA’s West Coast!

What was the turning point in your career?

The turning point was the internet. It enabled me to go from country newspapers and various city work to sending out net reports on races and being noticed for my knowledge etc. Soon I was a full time racing reporter online and been lucky enough to be an award winner at both journalism and photography – how great doing something you love!

What are you always late for?

I was late when God gave out hair.

If you could change careers tomorrow what would you do?

Probably a race caller. Watch out Hawko!

When you retire – what would you do?

I’d still be following the horse – maybe breed a couple and hopefully continue watching the great horses race. I’d still be turning up to the Magic Millions I’m sure – there’s no more interesting week.

What is your favourite music?

Nothing too heavy – just something to tap the foot and have rhythm – anything from 80s, 90s and early 00s. Anything from John Mellencamp to Madonna, ABBA to Elton John.

Who your favourite musician?

Tough one – but Cher always gets my leg tapping. ‘Believe’ is a great song. Who can forget her and that outfit with If I Could Turn Back Time!

What is the most embarrassing song on your phone?

Agadoo by Black Lace haha! It take me back to my childhood. Many wouldn’t know it – others may know the moves – the clip is a crack up – push those pineapples and shake the trees!

What is your favourite gadget?

My iPad mini. Can’t live without reading my papers on them. I download the digital versions of at least three a day. I’m a well read groover – must be why I’m so intelligent. Modest too!

What would you chose as your last meal?

A steak with peppercorn sauce and a crisp salad. Can’t take the country boy out of me!

Name one person who you want to have dinner with and why?

I always wanted to have dinner with Joan Rivers. She was the funniest woman on the planet, but she went and died on me.

What is your greatest fear?

Snakes – I grew up in country SA – every snake there is no good. The only good snake is a dead one.

NRL/AFL favourite team?

AFL – Adelaide Crows

State of Origin time – NSW or QLD?

Queenslander – of course! I’ve quickly learned since moving to Qld – Cane Toads are terrible pests!

Who do you talk on the phone the most to?

Probably my 89 yar old Nanna. We always have a great laugh. When Pa died I lived with her – right through Year 12 and played lots of cards and she is one of the most amazing people on the planet.

What are you grateful for everyday?

Being surrounded by a wonderful family, great colleagues and getting paid to do something I genuinely enjoy doing.

What item or landmark symbolises Australia?

For me the Nullarbor Plain. The cliffs, the sea, the vast stretches, the blazing sun, the nature and whales. It has everything that most people love about Australia. It’s the most underrated destination in the country.

What do you like to put on a sandwich?

It really depends on my mood – chicken, lettuce and mayo on grain bread is always a favourite!

What toppings do you like on your pizza?

Meatlovers or Mexican – spicy is good. Chilli flakes on top of any pizza is a must!

How do you define success?

Success is achieving or learning something new every day. Growing as a person and helping make someone’s else’s day a good one. Making yourself and others smile.

Who is you woman crush?

Winx. Wow. She’s got a big heart and THAT hindquarter, giddyup!

Tell us something that may surprise us about you?

Kylie Minogue has kissed me ha! She watched the Adelaide Cup sitting next to me. She backed the winner and I didn’t. She wrote a lovely note in my racebook – but somehow I’ve lost it!

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

I’d probably give it my nieces and nephews – they are amazing people and the future. They would have fun and appreciate it.

Winno this is longer than 60 seconds. Do I get over time?

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