By MIKE DILLON
In late 1997 I was on a coach from Tokyo Racecourse to the central city after the final trackwork gallop session for the Japan Cup.
In the seat behind was Graeme Rogerson on his cellphone.
Rogerson had Ebony Grovse in the Japan Cup, which had only just been superseded
as the world's richest horse race by the Dubai Cup.
Rogerson had had the acceptances for a midweek Paeroa racemeeting faxed through to the racetrack rather than wait until he returned to his hotel and he was calling the owners in New Zealand of the Paeroa runners from his stable.
The Japan Cup to a midweeker at Paeroa is the US Masters to hacking 102 on a public golf course in Porirua.
But the racing world's greatest communicator made no distinction.
Racing has never known a trainer who communicates with owners like Graeme Rogerson and he reaped the benefit when Polar Success went across the Rosehill finish line in front for a historic win in Saturday's A$3 million Golden Slipper.
Here was a bunch of Aussie knockabout owners put together by a trainer who sold them the cause.
Rogey, as he is known, it not everyone's bloke.
He has a colourful past. He's upset people.
He dragged himself up from a broken-down amateur rider to become New Zealand's champion trainer with satellite stables in Sydney and Melbourne and, until recently, Dubai.
How he has kept that global empire afloat, physically, financially and in every other way, remains a mystery to everyone.
His demise has been predicted by many for years.
A huge help has been his ability to have his owners remain loyal.
In a game where owners move around depending on success, Rogerson has kept the vast majority of his owners for 20 years and longer. He is extremely loyal to his staff with the result he has kept key personnel longer than just about any trainer in Australasia.
He is loyal to his roots. He lives in Sydney and regardless of where his success has been in the world he has stood proud and said: "I'm a New Zealander."
His guile is matchless. It's no secret he rarely sleeps - he'll probably admit there is no time to be wasted when you're scheming success. He misses nothing and if an opportunity ever slid by him, no one noticed.
Three weeks ago at the Sydney Turf Club's Golden Slipper press conference one of Sydney's leading bookies said: "You wouldn't believe it, I've got a horse with Rogey."
How come, you ask.
"Do you know, I don't know. He's unbelievable."
Aunt Doris and the canteen cleaning lady are the only two in Sydney who do not get to have a Golden Slipper tip each year.
In the intense heat of the moment, seconds after the big win on Saturday, Rogerson was being interviewed for television by Richard Freedman, brother of top Victorian trainer Lee Freedman.
Rogerson went to walk away after the talking then shot back: ". . . and you tipped her to win".
From hundreds of tipsters he knew who had guessed what in the Slipper, even though there was no obvious advantage.
And he didn't waste the interview. Freedman said something like: "It'll be a long night after this win".
Rogerson said: "It'll be a longer day tomorrow - we might sell some horses".
He is one of those characters you can say anything to as long as you say something.
He refuses to be ignored, on a personal or professional level.
When they talk of elephant hides, Rogey bought one years ago.
There is a settling day, of course, and Rogey from time to time looks drawn.
The pressure shows.
But don't ever underestimate him or count him out.
The graveyard is full of those who did.
By MIKE DILLON
In late 1997 I was on a coach from Tokyo Racecourse to the central city after the final trackwork gallop session for the Japan Cup.
In the seat behind was Graeme Rogerson on his cellphone.
Rogerson had Ebony Grovse in the Japan Cup, which had only just been superseded
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