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Mark Newnham likes to be known as part of the team at Gai Waterhouse's stables but being singled out as the inaugural winner of the Thoroughbred Excellence Award at the Godolphin stud and stable gongs put him in the spotlight.
It is something the quietly spoken former jockey took in his stride but the next morning it was back to work. That's the job. But perhaps the best description is that it is his life.
"I'm lucky to be able to do what I do because I love it," he said.
Newnham has risen to be the assistant trainer to Waterhouse and part of the management team at Tulloch Lodge. He is trusted and it is easy to see why.
"It is just good to see people get recognised and for Mark to get the top award is well deserved. He has taken big steps in the past couple of years," Waterhouse said. "He is a part of my management team that I talk 10-15 times a day and people don't realise what they do.
"They make things run smoothly and without him and a couple of others we wouldn't have the success we have."
The awards recognise the backstage of racing that the public doesn't see. The early mornings, the worry about how their horses are going and all the dedication that goes with that.
Racing is a labour of love for most in it and Newnham, who was hooked at an early age, has made his mark at the Waterhouse stable.
"It is my life. It is more than a lifestyle because you [are] thinking about it seven days a week 24/7," Newnham said. "You have to love it and hearing the stories of the other award winners on Tuesday, made you realise how much people put in.
"It's great recognition to me personally in an industry that I've loved being involved in since I was 15. But it is not why I do it and I think everyone would say the same thing that got an award."
Newnham still rides work at Randwick and on the mornings where Waterhouse isn't at the track he runs the trackwork session for her. He gets to know the horses in the stable well but, such is his role, he lets the boss talk about their chances.
He will be by Waterhouse's side at Rosehill on Saturday as Pheidon and Frespanol look to add a Festival Stakes to their records, while Role Model and Dream Choice are in support races.
"It looks like it might be a good day with nice horses there," said Newnham, leaving the full assessment to Waterhouse.
She enthused about Frespanol, which was a Scone Cup runner-up and Spear Chief Stakes winner last preparation, and has returned in similar form.
"He is the sort of horse that is heading to the Villiers with Pheidon, and will really enjoy getting to the mile," Waterhouse said. "He is racing in great form and I have been waiting to get him up to this trip.
"He is a great chance on Saturday and it will top him off for the Villiers, which is his target. Phiedon is another horse that is ready to find his top form."
However, the stable's main chance might be away from the feature in Role Model, which was beaten by Typhoon Jolie on a heavy track first-up and will be better suited on firmer ground.
"She has her hoof right on the till and to run so well at 1200m is a good sign," Waterhouse said. "She is going to appreciate the extra trip and the good track and I think she is going to be beat to beat."
Waterhouse will finish the day with Dream Choice, which has only recently joined her stable but caught her eye.
"I like his style. When you get one like him you want them to settle in quickly and he has," Waterhouse said. "It will be interesting to see how he goes on Saturday and I think he is [an] improving type."
