Dave Stanley

Can you tell us a little bit about your childhood – where you grew up and what life was like for you as a kid?

I grew up in Brisbane, and from as early as I can remember, sport was a huge part of my life. Whether it was playing or watching, I was always around it, and that love of competition and atmosphere never left me. I also loved listening to sport on the radio and watching it on TV, hearing the broadcasters bring it to life for people had a big impact on me.

Where did your love of horse racing first begin? Was it something that ran in the family, or did you discover it on your own?

It came from my grandfather. He loved the races, and I was really close to him. I wanted to share his passion, so I started learning and reading as much as I could about racing. That connection with him is what lit the spark for me.

What do you remember about the first time you went to the races?

My first day at the track was at Doomben for the Doomben 10,000. I remember it like it was yesterday, the noise, the colour, the rush. I was hooked straight away. After that, I found myself at a lot of country race meetings, and I think that’s why I’ve always had such a strong connection with the bush. I’d also often sneak into a local TAB or pub with my Grandad and just sit there, watching the days unfold. It wasn’t just about the races. It was a great way to learn about people and about life.

You won the Sky Star Search in 2013. Was that your big foot in the door, or had you already been working towards a career in racing media before that?

I’d always admired the people in front of the camera and behind the mic. I grew up watching racing hosts and loved how they presented the sport, and when I started working at Sky I was lucky to learn a lot from Andrew Martin and Tony Brassel. Winning Star Search gave me the chance to follow in the footsteps of people I admired, but it certainly didn’t happen overnight.I started out making coffee and cutting up replays, then worked 10am to 2am every weekend. It was long hours and plenty of hard work, but one opportunity led to another, and here we are today.

The racing industry is full of characters! Who has inspired or influenced you the most along the way?

There have been plenty. Andrew Martin and Tony Brassel were big influences in my early days at Sky. They taught me so much about the craft of presenting. Laurie Daley is another one; being around talents like that pushes you to be better, both professionally and personally, and then there’s Ray Warren, what a legend. His passion, his storytelling, the way he could bring sport to life!

You’re heading our way and visiting Settlers Inn on September 27th. What’s the format for your Shenanigans days? What can the punters expect from the day?

The Shenanigans days are all about being together and having a punt with your mates. You leave your troubles at the door and just enjoy the day. It’s fun, it’s loud and it’s about building community through racing.

Finally, the question everyone will want to know, do you have any hot tips or horses we should be keeping an eye on for the spring carnival?

Some people would say I could stop the XPT, but I’ll throw one out there anyway. I think you can follow a horse like Aeliana this spring. She’s a very special filly and I’m excited to see what she can do.

Thanks Dave.