Quirky trainer leaves crowd in stitches as Melbourne Cup cult status grows
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Bjorn Baker stole the show at Monday’s Lexus Melbourne Cup press conference, delivering a handful of one-liners that left the crowd in stitches.
The eccentric Kiwi trainer has become somewhat of a cult hero in racing for his social media posts and over-the-top celebrations.
Bjorn Baker at the Melbourne Cup media conference. Getty Images
His in-form runner, So You Are, was a late inclusion into the field of 24 after winning four-straight races, including last week’s Bendigo Cup.
But beneath the “theatre” as he labels it is a trainer who loves horse racing and that was on full-display when he spoke about the “emotional” aspect of being part of Australia’s greatest race on Tuesday afternoon with his five-year-old gelding.
“What a privilege, it’s very special to be here, and it’s really the race that stops two nations, two countries,” Baker said.
“To be here representing my great special country, I’m so very emotional.
“He’s not the most gifted horse I’ve had, not even close to it. He’s not the quickest horse, but he’s tough. He’s the fittest horse in the world currently.”
Baker urged punters not to get confused between So You Are’s green and gold silks and those worn by the JP McManus-owned runner who is “trying to take our money”, before delivering a cheeky plea to the cashed-up Irish businessman.
“I’d love to train for you one day,” Baker said.
Baker got plenty of laughs throughout his time on the panel while sitting next to Rachel King, who has become one of the trainer’s most reliable riders.
While he light-heartedly admitted he wanted James McDonald on board, Baker spoke glowingly of King and the relationship they share.
“James McDonald’s manager doesn’t answer my calls, but I’m very lucky Rachel King’s manager does. The good jockeys don’t need instructions and the bad jockeys don’t listen. I’ll leave it up to Rachel, she knows the horse inside out,” he said.
“We’ve got an amazing partnership, and she does so much work that’s unheralded.
“She’s at Warwick Farm in south-west Sydney and I call it the “Warwick Farm Penitentiary” because it’s not always easy getting up early and going to track work, but Rachel works harder than anyone. She’s extremely professional.
“I’ve got the ultimate trust in her and when she comes out for instructions pre-race, I just put on a bit of theatre for my owners. I know what she’s going to do, she knows what she’s going to do and that’s why I’ve got 100 per cent faith in her.
“She’s as cool as a cucumber under pressure and when I go into a big race and go to war, I’m very lucky to have Rachel by my side.”
Rachel King and Bjorn Baker. Getty Images
Baker has a short history in the Melbourne Cup, having trained She’s Ideel (2021) and Arapaho (2022 and 2025) in previous editions of the race.
But his Cup heritage runs far deeper, with his father Murray Baker training a handful of Cup runners in the past.
His dad’s best result came in 1990 when The Phantom ran second and Baker admitted it would be an incredible moment for the family if he could go one better with So You Are, who is rated a $12 chance with bookmakers.
“It would be pretty special, it would be amazing,” he said.
“I’ve got my sister here, my family. My father has won a lot of big races ... it’s been a lot for our family, we’re from a small town called Woodville.
“Murray gives me a lot of advice and when I moved to Australia 15 years ago, he said the greatest thing for our relationship is the Tasman Sea.
“It would be pretty special for him, of course.”
Asked if he would take on board his old man’s advice, Baker gave one final tongue-in-cheek response while speaking to media.
“I’ve got two ears in one mouth and I don’t know why,” he said.
