Gregory making most of big opportunity

By Glenn Davis

Just nine months on from her appointment as Brisbane stable manager for the Sydney training partnership of Annabel and Rob Archibald, Hannah Gregory is content with her achievements.

“I’m loving it and I’ve got my first winter carnival out of the way and we’ve had some incredible results,” Gregory said.

The British-born Gregory arrived in Australia in June last year and landed an early job working for the Archibalds in Sydney.

“It was an itch I wanted to scratch to come to Australia, so I spoke to a friend who worked for Gai Waterhouse, who sold me the dream to come here,” Gregory said.

“I heard there was a job available and the next minute I got a call from Rob (Archibald).

“I was supposed to start with Annabel and Rob in January of last year, but I didn’t start with them in Sydney until June of last year.

“I then came to Brisbane to work for Annabel and Rob in January and Magic Millions was my first week, so I was thrown straight into the deep end.”

Gregory is not from a racing background, but rose through the ranks in pony clubs and equestrian to work for English trainer Sophie Leech.

She was “head of travelling” for three seasons for Leech while also riding as an amateur jockey.

The 33-year-old Gregory also gained valuable experience in England working for four years as an assistant to Gloucester trainer Richard Phillips.

Her opportunity to head the Archibalds’ Brisbane stable came when former stable manager Todd Pollard decided to launch his own training career.

Gregory heads to Doomben on Wednesday with just one starter, Perfect Play, in the Class 4 Handicap.

Perfect Play has won only four of his 44 starts and hasn’t been successful since winning over 1660 metres at Doomben in December of last year.

The seven-year-old is coming off a last-start fourth to the Chris Waller-trained Liberty Park in a 1615 metre Benchmark race at Doomben on September 12.

“Perfect Play finished fourth last start at Doomben, but just found a couple too good on the day,” Gregory said.

“He’s very consistent, so it should be easier for him going back to Wednesday grade.”

Victorian apprentice Ryan Houston has taken the mount on Perfect Play.