Free Rein on Racing.com
Presenter
Anybody who knows Matt Hill knows he loves a chat. And his show Free Rein puts him in the hot seat to discuss all things racing with major names and personalities in the sport.
On air since 2017, Matt has interviewed jockeys, trainers, owners, administrators, broadcasters, comedians and even a priest! Getting the most out of people while keeping the viewer engaged is the aim, and Matt must be strategic in his interviewing technique to uncover the true personality of his guests. The key, he admits, is being a good listener.
The program has welcomed more than 30 guests to the Free Rein set and is well on the way to reaching 50 episodes.
Highlights of his time on the show include:
- Former 16-time Group 1-winning champion jockey and media personality Simon Marshall on growing up in a racing family, his controversial 16 wins and what it now means to be in the media.
- Comedian Trevor Marmalade on his outstanding career and his love of horse racing.
- Champion jockeys Mark Zahra, Luke Currie and Michael Walker who talked about their upbringing, successes and life as top riders.
- Legendary jockey Brent Thompson, who famously rode four Cox Plate winners and a staggering 2,500 winners worldwide, on world racing and riding for the Queen.
- The punting priest Father Joe Giaccobe on life as a religious practitioner and racing fanatic.
- AFL chief Gillon McLachlan on his family’s upbringing around horses and his love of owning racehorses.
- Former chief steward Terry Bailey and his distinguished and often trying time policing Victorian horse racing.
The free-to air program has a first-run weekly on Racing.com before running on loop throughout the rest of the programming week. It is also available on podcast.