From an 11-year-old riding trackwork in the late 1950’s, to a jockey in the 60’s, trainer in the 70’s, working as the first employee at Thorndon Park Stud to the manager at Blandford Lodge. Watching his son Michael cement himself as one of the greats in the saddle, to winning fashion in the field competitions throughout New Zealand over the past 20-odd years. Peter Coleman has experienced it all.

We sat down with Peter to learn a little more about his life in racing.

When were you first introduced to racing?

As a young boy, I always had ponies and competed in sport horse competitions. I was riding at the track as an 8-year-old and progressed to riding trackwork on thoroughbreds at 11.

Mr. Lance Stow, the founder of the apprentice school system at the time suggested I be apprenticed to Mr. Jack McDonald, a premiership winning trainers based in Te Awamutu, when I was 13. I left home to move into the stable baches, which were pretty substandard (especially by today’s standards!) I would ride work before school, head to school and then return to stable duties in the afternoon.

I got around 10 shillings per week, but would still pay for my raceday clothes to be picked up and laundered. It was a large chunk out of my wages!

Mr. McDonald eventually transferred his stable to Melbourne. I was offered to go with him, but had recently had a nasty fall and broke my foot. I’d had a bit of time on the sidelines and rethought my career in the saddle during this time. I had got up to 9 stone (57kg) and decided I was a little sick of the early starts. I don’t believe I had the determination or dedicated required to be a top jockey.

What happened next…?

I got a job in a menswear shop in Hastings, Tomson Suits. They were great to work for. I continued to ride trackwork and would look after the odd horse here and there.

I guess this is where my passion for clothing came from, although the males in my family have always dressed particularly well.

It’s a shame seeing how some people dress for the races today. In 1970 I took a horse to Trentham. It was the middle of summer and I wore long socks, dress shorts, a shirt and tie.  A racecourse official approached me and said I wasn’t dressed appropriately for the races. After that, I’ve never worn anything other than a suit to the races!

What has been your proudest moment in racing?

I was fortunate in my early years as a trainer to be blessed with a very good horse, Master Morgan. He wasn’t my first winner, but he was my best horse.

He won his first race and went on to win 6 or 7 at Trentham in the days that the best in the north and best in the south would collide in Wellington. It wasn’t easy to win there, the fields were big and there were some great horses around.

Master Morgan.  Photo credit: Race Images

You’ve spent some time managing studs as well! Tell us about that.

I gave away training in the mid 1970’s, following Master Morgan finishing third in an Auckland Cup.

I was offered a job by Garry Chittick to get Thornton Park Stud up and running in Masterton. Garry and I got on very well and I enjoyed a great two and a half years with him. I then got the opportunity to move to Matamata and run Blanford Lodge, which I grabbed with both hands. I’ve been in Matamata ever since.  

Following my time at Blanford, I started a business painting and decorating, which I continued for another 30 years.

A young Peter Coleman and Master Morgan at Trentham.

Your son Michael was one of the greats! How was it watching his career?

The great pleasure Pauline and I have had watching Michael is unbelievable. He did more than I ever dreamed of doing. His determination, integrity and work ethic helped him along the way.

Michael always looked good on a horse. I used to take him down to the track in the school holidays when he was a little nipper.

Being on-course and watching him succeed made us very proud parents.

As well as the racetrack, you’ve enjoyed plenty of success on the runway! Tell us about your experiences with Fashion in the Field.

My first competition was at Matamata Breeders Stakes Day in the early 2000’s, a competition I’ve won three times since.  

My biggest win came at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, 2012 (a competition Peter also won in 2020!). It wasn’t a nice day weather wise and Pauline didn’t want to go because of that. I decided to still head along and entered fashion in the field – and I won! It was a big accomplishment for me winning against those in Auckland, they have access to such great stores. I wore a jacket I had made from curtain material and that’s what won it for me.

What advice would you give someone looking to enter FITF for the first time?

Attention to detail is important. Be well presented - hair done, nails cut, it’s the small details. Try to marry pieces together to create a cohesive outfit.

Peter was the menswear winner at Ellerslie’s Boxing Day Races, 2020.  Photo credit: Auckland Thoroughbred Racing

What do you enjoy most about a day at the races?

It’s the people and the atmosphere. Over the years, I’ve met so many lovely people and I always look forward to seeing them on raceday. I’ve had some rather hilarious times at the races!

Why do you love racing?

It all boils down to the love of the horse. Nobody would be doing it if they didn’t love the animal. We’re fortunate to have lots of young people in New Zealand getting up at half three in the morning and working six and a half days per week to take care of the horses. 

 

Keen to follow in Peter’s footsteps on the runway?

Now’s your chance!  The calendar of racing fashion competitions is in the home straight with only a few chances remaining this season to strut your stuff (either physically or virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions).  For the ladies, all eyes are now turning to the national fashions in the field final, The Ned Prix de Fashion. 

What: The Ned Prix de Fashion is the culmination of racing fashion competitions around the country.  Pre-qualified women from around New Zealand compete to be named best of the best and take home a $15,000+ prize package from The Ned, with more prizes to be announced.

When:  The Ned Prix de Fashion will be taking place online after the conclusion of the Adashiko Fashion Qualifiers

Who: Click here to see our regional finalists to date: https://www.ellerslie.co.nz/prix-de-fashion-regional-winners

The last chances to qualify are at Wellington’s fashions in the field competition (proposed to take place on NZ Oaks Day) and Ellerslie’s Adashiko Fashion Qualifiers (taking place online).  Women can virtually enter the Adashiko Fashion Qualifiers from 5 March until 31 March for one last chance to qualify for The Ned Prix de Fashion.  With thousands of dollars of prizes up for grabs from Adashiko, it’s well worth getting dolled up and taking a few snaps for the judges to consider.  You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your house AND you have four chances to win! More here: https://www.ellerslie.co.nz/adashikofashionqualifiers