We will be showcasing the stars behind the scenes that make our stable run smoothly everyday. These unsung heroes are the ones that spoil your horses day in day out and help us achieve results on the racetrack. This week we put the spotlight on Aleks Komarovs…
How did you get into racing?
There was a total collapse in my home country of Latvia and there were no job opportunities. I enjoyed horse riding as a hobby when I was younger doing pony club which lead me to work in Ireland for one year with racehorses. I only lasted a year as the weather was bad and there were too many people for my liking. I like a challenge and had heard that Australia had great racing and was also a hard country to get into as an immigrant. I stuck to my guns and made Australia my new home in 2001 working in racing and haven’t looked back since.
How long have you worked here?
Three years or more
What is your role?
I started off as a track rider for the first two years then I went on a holiday. I came back and started working on the ground and driving the truck to the races and for paddock work.
Who is your favourite horse past or present?
Whys (aka Krusty the clown!) He wasn’t a very good racehorse but he was a real character. I’m pretty sure he’s in Adelaide now still yet to win a race.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Knock off time haha. Nah I like dealing with the horses on the treadmill and on the ground, it doesn’t matter really. The part I like the most is a challenge, if i’m not challenged I’m bored. Being able to work out an issue with a horse and fix it is very rewarding.
What is your favourite memory?
I don’t have one specific moment but if I was to say working everyday in a nice, easy going, almost stress free environment is a great outcome of everyday at work.
What would you do if you weren’t working with horses?
Join the Army.
What do you do when you’re not working?
Training at the gym.
What is something that you’ve learnt from EJ?
Patience with a capital P.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the racing industry?
Stay in school haha!
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