Billionaire retail magnate Gerry Harvey left Channel Seven presenter Emma Freedman visibly stunned and gasping in shock after he uttered the F-bomb during a live television broadcast on Saturday. The Harvey Norman founder was in an exuberant mood following a highly successful day at Randwick Racecourse, where two of his thoroughbred horses secured prestigious victories.
Celebratory Swearing During Live Interview
The incident occurred as Harvey was being interviewed by Freedman following the races. He was recounting how he had sold his winning horse, Campione d'Italia, to the China Horse Club and Newgate team for $500,000 at last year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. During the anecdote, Harvey quoted a conversation, saying, "He said, 'What was the name of the horse?' I told him, 'Campione d'Italia.' He said, 'F**k, that was the horse I was...'"
Freedman immediately recoiled in shock, exclaiming, "Oh god, don't do that!" before Harvey could finish his story. The Channel Seven star then swiftly transitioned to interviewing jockey James McDonald, who had ridden Campione d'Italia to victory in the $1 million Group One ATC Sires' Produce Stakes.
Second Expletive in Follow-Up Interview
This was not the only instance of profanity from Harvey during the day's broadcasts. In a separate television interview later on Saturday, the billionaire businessman dropped another F-bomb while explaining how he retained a stake in Campione d'Italia. Harvey described negotiations, stating, "I passed it in and Henry Field and I had a talk and I said, 'I want $600,000, mate,' and he said, 'I'll give you $500,000,' and I said get lost."
He continued, "Then I thought ah no, f**k, I'd better. So I kept 20 per cent." This second incident further highlighted Harvey's unfiltered celebratory demeanor following his horses' significant achievements at the track.
Double Victory at Randwick Racecourse
The cause for Harvey's exuberance was clear. His horse Chidiac had won the $1 million Evergreen Turf Country Championships, while Campione d'Italia triumphed in the $1 million Group One ATC Sires' Produce Stakes at the famous Sydney racecourse. These dual victories represented a remarkable and lucrative day for the billionaire's racing interests.
Harvey's Extensive Racing Empire
Gerry Harvey, with an estimated net worth of $3.97 billion according to The Australian's recent business rich list, stands as one of the most prominent figures in Australian horse racing. His involvement in the industry is substantial and multifaceted.
He owns Baramul Stud, which boasts more than 200 broodmares, and the New Zealand-based Westbury Stud. Additionally, Harvey is one of three owners of the Magic Millions thoroughbred auction house, further cementing his influence within the racing community.
Development of a Lifelong Passion
Harvey has previously explained how he developed his passion for horse racing back in 1972. In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, he recounted, "I was setting up my business. I started with other things and suddenly that business grew and grew. So in 1972 I went to an Inglis broodmare sale and purchased five mares."
He added, "From those mares the first three foals won 25 races, and then I bought a property and then that became a stud and then the next thing I knew I was a director of the Sydney Turf Club." This early success fueled what would become a decades-long, deeply invested involvement in the sport, culminating in the high-profile victories and controversial live television moments witnessed on Saturday.
