Episode 178: Max Whitby (Part 2)

In Part 2 Max remembers the lucky day when he bought a share in Savabeel, the Zabeel colt destined to become a Cox Plate winner and a very successful stallion. He reviews Savabeel’s racing career and his subsequent move to the famous Waikato Stud in NZ where he’s gone on to sire around 100 stakes winners. Max reflects on the devastating stock market crash of 1987. He lost everything and actually went back to work at the famous Bourbon and Beefsteak at King’s Cross. He sadly reflects on the premature passing of the girl he married when he was just 21 years old. Jen, his wife of 46 years succumbed to cancer 18 months ago. Max reflects on his Grafton Cup win with First Crush. Jen knew how badly he wanted to win that Cup, but was too ill to attend. He looks back on some of the best horses he’s owned or part owned including Honour In War who angered the crowd when he took the Villiers off Takeover Target on protest. Max talks of his love of a punt. He’s not a form student but absorbs everything he hears at the track and bets late.