The secret lives of us, we take a look at the hidden passions of racing people. Just what do busy horse people do with their precious free time? Let ’s find o t!
SECRET PASSIONS MICK PRICE Trainer / Speed Demon As he approaches 300km on the world class Phillip Island circuit, aboard the “absolute weapon” that is a 1000cc motorcycle, Mick Price is not, he laughs “thinking about horses!” Whilst working long hours overseeing a Caulfield stable of 75 horses (and 40 staff) with another 25 at Warrnambool and others out spelling, Mick is adamant that he never wants to be the sort of “24/7 obsessed trainer” who eventually burns out. “You have to get to the stables fresh every morning,” he said, “and be aware of the fatigue and repetition.” If such things get on top of you, he added “you just end up not doing a good job.” An outlet is required, and Mick’s is a different sort of velocity to thoroughbred speed... the bike, whether it be one of the five motorcycles he has owned or the pushbike aboard which he hits town on three times a week.
His interest sparked by following the career of Valentino Rossi, Mick has on many occasions made the most of the Phillip Island Ride Days, along with fellow trainers Ciaron Maher and Nathan Dunn - plus a couple of retired jumps jockeys - hitting the circuit at speed, enjoying the adrenaline rush.
Sometimes it is a social thing, owner Rupert Legh or jockey Hugh Bowman amongst those joining him, but what he enjoys most is the fast solo rides. Apart from the exercise - “it is great cardio without concussion” it is “that small opportunity to have a couple of hours by myself.”
He has also been happy on a trail around Belgrave’s hills, something he says “has not been good for the licence points.”
“In racing you are always surrounded by people,” he said. He loves it of course, but he loves the time-out as well.
Covid has of course slowed things down, as has Mick’s own caution. “I am not afraid of injury but I just don’t have the time to be sidelined,” he said, to date lucky to have walked soundly away from a few tumbles. But he still has his bike and three times a week can be seen on his other less powered cycle riding from Docklands to the Chandler Highway.
And a thrilling time-out it is too, Mick keen on keeping healthy and fit whilst having “a good life balance.” He still finds the everyday demands of being a racehorse trainer exciting; “you spend your life being challenged,” he said, “it is a constant puzzle.” And he enjoys it all the more for having other things to focus on; his bikes, a dabble into real estate and sponsorship of Australian Superbike Champion Wayne Maxwell.
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30/11/20 1:16 pm