BORN and into the harness Racing industry in 1990, Finnbarr helped his father Sean McCaffrey, a well-known New Zealand trainer, at their stables in Cambridge doing boxes since the young age of five.
Although he has been in the game for over 20 years, Finn has never driven in the gig and preferred to stick to the tractor.
Sticking to the tractor paid off for Finnbarr, in 2016 he made the move from across the Tasman to Menangle Park to extend his knowledge in track management.
He is now a well-respected employee at Harness Racing New South Wales working at the Menangle Park Training Centre as a Maintenance and Horticulture Worker.
At the age of 24 Finnbarr had already started succeeding in his profession, becoming the Track Manager at the Cambridge Greyhound racetrack.
At 25 he decided making the move to NSW would benefit him in the long run gaining experience and developing skills.
He believes that the Australian Racing Industry has a greater prospect than back home and took the opportunity to work here as soon as the position arose.
Finnbarr hopes to travel the world working throughout American and Europe at different racetracks, furthering his knowledge and hoping to direct everything he learns along the way into a Turf Management role.
In 2015 Finnbarr lost his hero, his grandfather Jim Wilson. Finnbarr and Jim had a close relationship and admired that Jim taught him the ways of life, taking pride in the work ethic he has now, thanks to his father and grandfather. “There’s always something to do and if in doubt grab a broom” – Finnbarr was often told as a child.
Struck by tragedy in 2013, Finnbarr was building in Hamilton, New Zealand when he injured his back out, rupturing a disc.
After having surgery, Finnbarr spent a long six months on the couch and shortly after commenced rehabilitation, essentially having to learn how to walk again.
Finnbarr describes this time in his life as low, putting on 19 kilograms in the six months however he is better for it and has learnt to respect and to look after his body.
Sadly with the accident, Finnbarr had to say goodbye to his sporting career.
Although his sporting career was short lived, he accomplished playing Rugby Union in the Curtain Raiser game for the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton New Zealand.
Favourite food: Homemade crumbed beef schnitzel that mum makes
Favourite drink: Since moving to Oz, nothing beats a good can of Solo
Footy team: Rugby Union will always take priority so, ALL BLACKS!
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
Amanda Rando
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
p: (02) 9722 6600
e: arando@hrnsw.com.au
