Pleased to visit John today, the owner of Greeko Stables at his base farm in Uxbon – Ontario. A newer stable to HRP though one who is quickly getting to grips with the game!

 

John thank you agreeing to meet with me and answer a few questions. I heard you had a soft spot for Gin so i brought along a bottle of Plymouth Gin, 41% proof thought we could have chat and a drink to help get the tongue going 🙂

 

You come across as a great sportsman and fun guy to be around.

Q. Great to get to know you a bit better. So where are you from John and what do you do for a living?

 

I’m from Vancouver Canada and I sell fire alarm and life safety products for a living.

Thats cool and good to meet a non US based player for a change, there are not to many of us! If anyone needs any of the above products reach out to Josh (free advertising John well almost free you owe me voucher now mate lol).

 

Q.  Ok so how did you hear of HRP initially and what tempted you to join?

 

I have been playing virtual horse racing games for a while now and HRP has always been on my radar for a long time. It’s real time and much better than those other race sites. People used to tell me if you can handicap the horses in real life you will be able to understand HRP.

I agree you tried the rest know the best! Curious so what got you into horse racing in RL?

 

I have always been around horse racing since I can remember. I was never an owner but I did know lots of people that did own horses or were involved in the sport.

 

My Father would take me to the local race track here in Vancouver Canada as a youngster and that’s where it all began. When I was young I loved the thrilling part of the sport and as I grew older I loved the problem solving aspect of it and what I mean is the breaking down of the race and trying to handicap the outcome. The Daily Racing Form was always purchased days in advance and studied inside and out. The social part of the game and your track buddies became like family.

That’s cool you and your Dad used to go racing, you got into horses young then.

 

Q Been compared to Estero Farms by myself the way you have come in and quickly got a grib.

Is this your first time playing here for the record?

 

Estero Farms is a fantastic trainer , thank you that is a great compliment but I have a long way to go. Still learning here but I will say I’ve learned from the greats. This is my first time  at HRP. I have played other virtual horse racing games but none of them compare to this one.

Agree Estero is a great trainer.

Q. Value your input. What is an easy mistake for new players you made and others could make? Any pointers?

 

It’s easy to get frustrated with this game so you need to be very patient. Many other stables are willing to help if you ask them questions about the game. If your looking to build a stable then buy from the auction and claim horses from established stables. Breeding can be a very costly approach so you should be careful.

 

When your starting to race your horses, it’s easy to over value them. So I try and use the statistics tab often, there you can compare your horses to other horses using the workouts page or race times page. I use this page quite often and you will realize what class type of horse you may have.

 

That’s a good point with statistics tab i like it, thank you.

Q. Joined last year doing really well. What 3 tips would you give to fellow new trainers?

 

Well, My first season was a blur to be honest, it was very overwhelming at times. Especially the meters and trying to get to green / green and  shipping to tracks when I only had 1 farm.

 

I’m still learning the game and still ask many questions in my second season but I would tell any newbie to…

 

• purchase 3-5 farms as this will allow better transportation to tracks.

• claim horses, as you can find some good ones for a fair value.

• placement is key to success , run your horses conditions.

Q. Has the community as a whole helped you since you started?

 

Yes the community has been very helpful and encouraging. It never hurts to ask questions. But I will say this… you will learn the game from your mistakes you have make.

That is good to hear.

Q. Settling in well. Is there a specific stable you look up to on here/ friends made along the way?

 

I wouldn’t say that there is one particular stable I look up to, but I will say AML, John Henry, Keikowin, MB, Cedar Road, Aloya, Hawaiian Shirt Guy, Maxmillion, and many of the chat room junkies have been helpful and welcomed me into the game.

Q. Seems like it’s already been a roller coaster of a ride! What has been your best moment on here to date?

 

Selling popcorn in the chat room, inside joke. you will have to ask the other members what im talking about.

 

With all the action around here I bet you been busy 🙂

Q. What’s been your lowest, or better way of asking – ever felt like quitting?

 

No not interested in quitting at this time, I’m having too much fun playing a game. If you treat HRP as a game you will have ton of fun.

Wise words….Q. Goals to the season ?

 

To keep learning and win more races.

 

Love attitude!

Q. First GS win as we doing interview with Growley. Big congratulations and nice purchase for $14. Shows you can pick them up… Did you think he could do it? Did you watch race live? Tell us about it!

 

Yes I watched it live and it felt good winning my first graded stakes win. When I claim horses I always analyze what the previous trainer did and then I usually retest adds. Growley shows lots of heart on the track. Yes he has gotten better and better with age. I had a good feeling he could.

You Heard of the TC win all 3 and the huge bonus up for grabs.

Q. Do you think it could be done in next 3 years or marketing ploy lure people to the game?

 

Who hasn’t heard of the Triple Crown bonus 🙂 of course I have. Winning the the Triple Crown is a tall ask but I’d like to see it accomplished and it would be great for the game if it ever happened. I’m optimistic it will be done in the next 5 seasons. We have great trainers here who will find a way.

Love the positive thinking John.

Q. Looking around your shed you have some nice prospects. What 2 year old are you most excited about that you have breed breed or brought?

 

A 2 year old horse named Cruising Kat that I’m very excited about but we will see. I have many 2 year old prospects in my barn and April is going to be a busy month. Crossing my fingers some pan out.

 

See you got Charley Farley also. Horse is a legend and heck of a signing for your barn. With you at the helm I am sure they will do just fine!

 

Q. One last question John before I leave you to finish the rest of that bottle. I gotta hit the run to meet Drabfantasy next and that’s strong stuff!

1. Doing great and I think would be a great mentor for new stables. You always seem positive and willing to help! Any novice trainer reading this who is stuck in a rut, are they OK to reach out to you privately and ask for advise?

 

Your full of compliments today LOL .. thank you!!

Yes anybody that needs some help can private message me or find me in the chat room.

 

You are a good man and a great ambassador for new players here at HRP. Becoming a fan of yours and looking forward to watching your stats with interest. I tip you for much more success at HRP and think you will give the big guns a run for the money! Thank you for hooking up with the SRF John and I would like to wish you and your horses the very best of luck this season.

 

Thank you for reading. Landed some big names last week and some exciting interviews and articles in the pipeline.

 

Stay Tuned!

El Primero Rodeo

Categories: FEATURED STORIES, SRF Interviews