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By Ray Hickson

In racing parlance, you’d say Ben Duckworth has a strong pedigree behind him.

But it wasn’t until he put it to one side for a few years to pursue a career in a hard hat that he realised he’d much rather have a bridle in his hand.

The 26-year-old’s parents run Fairview Park Stud in the Hawkesbury, his mother Linda managing and operating the property while his father Ian is a respected vet.

Ben Duckworth (Pic: Bradley Photos).

Through that background, and the various roles he filled prior to landing in his current position as foreman for Michael Freedman, he’s no stranger to many in racing but he’s long been determined to establish a name for himself.

“As long as I can remember I was attending yearling sales and going off to the races, that’s where you could say I got the bug from,’’ he said.

“I was fortunate to have a great upbringing on Fairview Park Stud.

“But throughout my schooling I wasn’t that involved in the horse industry, I was focused on my rugby and whatever sport I could get myself involved in.”

Duckworth is a competitive young man. That’s a part of horse racing he finds appealing.

So is it any coincidence that his university degree in Construction Management and Property was obtained while overlooking the surrounds of Randwick racecourse at UNSW.

Racing has never been too far away.

“While I was living at UNSW I was close to the racetrack and I often found myself looking towards Randwick,’’ he said.

“I maintained my interest in the racing side moreso than the breeding or farming side of it.

“One of the best things for me was getting away and doing something else and then realising that’s what your passion is once you’re away from it.

“I love the competitive aspect of racing. Regardless of whether it was rugby or another sport I love competing.”

His journey started around 2019 when, as a 20-year-old, he scored a job working for Mark Newnham at Randwick. It was a Monday to Friday gig that allowed him to continue playing in the centres for Randwick Rugby Club.

When Covid hit he returned to Fairview Park Stud and once things opened up again he went on an educational drive that took in 12 months with the Mitchell family at Yarraman Park Stud and travelled overseas to take in how the industry works in the UK, Ireland and France.

That takes the story up to less than two years ago when, having again returned to Fairview, he approached Michael Freedman to start what he knows will be a long journey towards training one day.

A stablehand job was his entry point but within a couple of months a foreman role became available at the Randwick base, where they prepare around 55 horses, and he says it’s a place he’d like to remain for some time.

“I always knew I wanted to get back into the racing game, as much as I find the breeding side of it extremely interesting,’’ Duckworth said.

“I couldn’t speak any higher of Michael, he’s given me a great opportunity and been a great mentor to me.

“The team is fantastic to work with. Wajid Ali, the other foreman, is a great horseman and his attention to detail is something I’ve been able to lean on and he’s helped me along the way.”

You could say Duckworth joined the stable at the right time.

It’s been a stellar past year or so for the Freedman camp winning a Golden Slipper in March with Marhoona while in the spring they unearthed another star filly in Flight Stakes winner Apocalyptic.

“I know we are privileged to be working with the quality of stock we have and Michael is a fantastic trainer,’’ he said.

“I’m lucky to be working in the centrepiece of Randwick and Sydney racing, it’s very exciting.

Ben Duckworth celebrates Apocalyptic's Flight Stakes win with Anna & Michael Freedman, Tommy Berry and Sophie Johnson. (Pic: Bradley Photos).

“You pinch yourself that you get to wake up and work with the quality of horse we do, and the great team makes the job very easy.

“It’s something I’ve inherited growing up around horses, how lucky we are to be working with such kind animals every day.”

The ever-changing shape of the racing industry, and racing stables in particular, make it no easy move for anyone to pursue a career in training.

But that’s what Duckworth can picture for his future. One day. There’s still a lot to learn.

For now, he’s right where he wants to be. Part of a successful team, and in no better place to take it all in.

“I’ve really enjoyed being given the responsibility of preparing horses and gaining more experience with programming,’’ he said.

“Working closely with the owners and staff has been another great part of the role.

“I’m not in a hurry, I have plenty to learn in the industry. I definitely want to go down the pathway of training, that’s where I see myself.

“One thing I’ve realised, having worked for multiple people now, is everyone has their own take and view on things and I feel as though I’ve found my feet at Michael’s.

“There’s something about the horse and you wouldn’t do it unless you loved it.

“Wherever it is, if it’s Newcastle or Kembla, Hawkesbury, Randwick on the big days, I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

*This article originally appeared in the December 2025 edition of the Racing NSW magazine

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