FLEMO'S SIXTY SECONDS WITH A SERIAL PEST

By Josh Fleming with Darren Winningham | Friday, August 16, 2019

The tables are turned. This is Josh Fleming’s Sixty Seconds … with WINNO

Here we are with DARREN WINNINGHAM … WINNO … the horseracingonly photographer and journo and superior tipster (well, he thinks he is anyway!)

Do you have a nickname?

WINNO – number 1 NSW supporter – “THE PEST” - I answer to them all!

How long have you been in racing?

That’s tough. I started going to Gosford races many years ago. I remember seeing horses such as Riverdale there and Ray Warren (Channel 9) used to call the races. So, I used to go and have a bet and loved going to the races. Then I moved to Queensland and got involved taking photos and now writing silly things like this with you and doing tips.

What’s your role at HorseRacingOnly?

I am the resident pest who annoys Graham Potter who runs the web site.

Your fondest memory of the races?

There are two of them. Ramornie Day 2004 seeing the Joe Janiak trained Takeover Target salute with Jay Ford in the saddle. I knew when I saw that run, the way he sat wide and destroyed the field, that I had seen a special horse. Then, when I went to Rosehill for the first time, I only went as John Singleton’s champion mare More Joyous was running. I was so happy to see her win a race with Nash Rawiller in the saddle.

Best thing you like about your role?

It’s not like having a job – it’s fun and I get enjoyment out of meeting people and talking to people in racing and whatever sports I photograph or report on. The people are always nice, and I have much respect for any sportsperson who puts their body on the line for our entertainment.

What do you do when you cannot sleep?

I play Candy Crush Soda.

You always ask “Jockeys start early in the morning what time do you get up to start work” – so what time do you get up Winno?

I like to sleep in. But I have a beagle. His name is Buster and he sometimes claims a spot on my bed. When he gets up, I must get up otherwise he won’t leave me alone until I feed him. However, the irony is when you feed the little bastard, he goes outside has a pee and then jumps back in under the doona for a few hours!

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

To the smell of someone cooking breakfast. Are you a good cook Flemo – could you manage an omelette? (Moving on).

A memorable horse you have photographed.

Well I have taken photos of Winx and Black Caviar – but I think so has all of Australia – they are both champions and horses for the people. There is one horse I took photos of that always stirs something in me – Lord Kanaloa (Japanese horse). This horse won the Hong Kong sprints in 2012 and 2013 and I thought that this is one of the best sprinters I have ever seen. Such dominance and power. That is not to diminish Winx and Black Caviar – you could never line champions like this up. People always speculate who would have beaten who if they opposed each other. I just like to think that they are all champions at the time, and you should never compare them. Recently I have had the chance to photograph the John Moore trained Hong Kong Champion Beauty Generation. I hope to see him again in December.

What was the turning point in your career?

When I met Graham Potter and formed a working relationship with him. I have learnt some new skills and enjoy the interactions I have with people. The other thing that changed things for me was social media applications such as Facebook and Instagram where I can share my photos and the emotions that are captured both on race day and in sports I cover.

Who is the biggest pest at the track?

That is easy – according to Nathan Exelby – it is me! To be fair he rates as a “pest” himself on some occasions. He loves an exclusive and is always lurking in the shadows. Other than that, it would have to be Michael Murphy – he always wants me to take photos of him.

Who is the biggest joker?

It would have to be Dale Smith – he is always up to something – smiling, sticking his tongue out – just having a great time. Makes the day do fast with people like him around.

What are you always late for?

Doctors’ appointments – they are never on time so why should I be!

If you are not participating in racing what would you do?

Probably refereeing junior rugby league matches on the weekend.

If you could change careers tomorrow what would you do?

I would love to be an administrator in sport or a charity – using my skills in photography, writing and being silly to promote whatever I am involved with. I always give 110% when I make up my mind to do something.

Do you have a favourite racetrack?

I love Grafton – just the country atmosphere and the wide straight and the wonderful people of the town. Internationally the two tracks in Hong Kong are spectacular. Happy Valley – night racing in the middle of a city surrounded by high rise apartments and shops – the place is breathtaking and astounds me each time I go there. Sha Tin – for different reasons – the turf track – the way the locals welcome you and the way the Hong Kong Jockey Club puts the patron and the punter first. They provide the best amenities and experience in the world. I have taken may friends there to experience racing. They are not huge fans of horse racing but always say how great their day was and they always want to go back!

Holden or Ford?

Please – HOLDEN should I tell you what that other word stands for – I cannot ever utter that word!

What is your favourite music?

I love PSY – Gangnam Style and Gentleman. I love it when he cupcakes that woman in the video! Political correctness out the window to have fun!

Who is your favourite musician?

Really don’t have one to be honest. I liked Powderfinger.

What is the most embarrassing song on your phone?

Major Tom by David Bowie.

What is your favourite gadget?

My garage remote – I just got a new one after it was busted for over 3 years – it is like I have found a new side of life.

What would you choose as your last meal?

Reef and Beef with some garlic sauce and gravy – chips and salad. Chocolate mousse for dessert.

Name one person who you want to have dinner with?

This is going to polarise people. Can I pick two people? First one is Paul Keating. I think he was one of the best parliamentarian speakers I have ever seen. He could cut you in half with his speeches and comments – plus he is a very intelligent man. Second – must be Donald Trump. I think that despite all the “fake news” and people criticising him the USA seems to be going well. Sure, people love or hate him but I think I could learn a lot from him about business and success – plus I want to see what product he uses in his hair to make it look like it just came out of a fairy floss machine.

Name one thing you could not live without.

My credit card that is linked to Qantas. I have hit 900,000 points just recently – must be time for a big holiday.

If you won Lotto what would you do with the money?

I would love to build some single room homes – with large living areas for older Australians to live in. Close to shops, close to transport and charge them $100 a week so they could enjoy life after the efforts they have put in for us to enjoy what they have done for us.

TV shows – your favourite show?

I love SWAT
.
Your favourite movie?

Air Force One with Harrison Ford – I just love it when he says, “get off my plane”.

Politics – LNP – Labour or?

I voted for no one in the last Federal election. None of the local candidates managed to get down to the Banyo TAB to meet the public and the punters – so none of them got my vote. I voted for the WINNO party in the Senate – we didn’t manage to get a seat – but the red sharpie pen writing on the ballot paper stood out!

If you could ask a question to our PM Scott Morrison what would it be?

Sco Mo – we have a race at the Gold Coast named the Prime Ministers Cup. The Prime Minister never attends the meeting. Can you find some time in your calendar to attend in 2020. As a matter of fact, I am going to write to him and ask!

If you could ask Donald Trump a question?

I would ask him could I take a helicopter ride on Marine One around Washington with him. I think it would be the best. Then again – I would maybe get an exclusive – imagine 60 seconds with WINNO and TRUMP!

What is your greatest fear?

That Queensland will win the 2020 Origin series – it has been tough for the last decade for NSW supporters! I have a bet with my good mate and book maker Con Searle $20 to $10,000 that NSW win the next ten series – we are 2 down only 8 to go. I just hope I haven’t taken all of his money at the races before he has to pay up! Oh yes, and losing to you in our tipping competitions although that doesn’t happen too often!

What about Sky Racing Anthony Collins?

Well truth be told – I whipped him at Grafton 2019 Carnival – 4 to nil. Then I got him at Coffs Harbour. He recently got on the board with a $0.70 win at Toowoomba by tipping the last winner – he did a QLDer on me! For the record he is one of the nicest blokes you will ever meet. His passion for racing and sports administration is infectious – a true professional.

One of your favourite places to be?

The beach – or exploring new places that I haven’t been to before.

NRL/AFL favourite team?

NRL – BULLDOGS – and who ever beats the Broncos each week!

State of Origin time – NSW or QLD … ok, I'm sorry I asked.

New South Wales (NSW) – oh please, I bleed BLUE.

Who do you talk on the phone the most to?

Foxtel – they are always wanting to change my plan or charge me more the service – really!

What are you grateful for every day?

My health.

What do you like to put on a sandwich?

Ham – Cheese – Tomato – white bread with butter salt and pepper and it must be sliced Kraft cheese. If you really want to go a bit harder put it under the toaster and get it warm for me!

What toppings do you like on your pizza?

Seafood lots of prawns and maybe some chicken as well – deep pan.

What is your favourite drink?

It used to be Pepsi – but since I got ill – I don’t do fizzy drinks. So, my go to drink is black tea or Golden Circle raspberry flavoured cordial.

How do you define success?

Doing something that you like to do! And getting some decent photos in a month or so of Claire Farrow and Mitchell Speers when they tie the knot.

Who is you man crush?

Trent Edmonds – it amazes me how a guy can eat so much KFC and not put weight on!

Who is your female crush?

Must be Judge Judy – I love the way she smashes them wankers in her courtroom.

What inspires you?

I love mentoring and coaching others – or just making something new. I always hope that I can teach someone to do my job or be better than me so they can go forward and achieve the most they can out of life.

What item symbolises Australia?

The red back spider – found on every outdoor dunny in Australia.

Do you have any pets?

I used to have two beagles – Ike and Buster. We lost Ike three years ago. He died in my arms I was sad for months. We still have Buster now. He is adorable and loves to walk, run and climb things. He just turned 10 but he thinks he is 6 months old – he just goes and goes. I love him so much.

If Buster could speak what do you think he would say about you?

I wish you would stop farting when I am under the doona – I am not into dutch ovens. He would say our beach walks on the Gold Coast and the Beagle Club walks we do are the best – take me today!

Tell us something that may surprise us about you?

I did University and I am a qualified radiographer. I trained at Gosford Hospital before moving to the Gold Coast and working there and at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. I was one of the youngest referees in Rugby League getting my accreditation at the age of 13. I managed to be video referee on the ABC for the QLD CUP as well on the television – I never got one decision wrong!

What does a radiographer do?

You are simple aren’t you FLEMO. We take x-rays – CT scans – and something you experienced with your wife Gabby – we do ultrasounds.

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

Buy a Maccas soft serve for Buster (my beagle) and me. Then back the horse that you have tipped third in your selections with the rest – they seem to win a lot!

OK, WINNO. I can hear the readers crying 'that's enough'. I’ll let you go now!

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