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Bobbin Racing brings together an exceptional combination of individuals with horse racing knowledge and expertise, proven commercial credentials, media, an uncompromising focus on the customer journey and experience and, commitment to team. Led by trainer Andrew Bobbin, our commitment is to meet and exceed the expectations of every owner and we pride ourselves on our professionalism, proactivity and timely customer service whilst always maintaining the highest levels of quality and care. Growing up with racehorses in county NSW, Andrew always intended on having a career in racing although it took a little longer to come about than he first thought. For five years after finishing high school, Andrew mixed working in television production with playing Rugby League, which led to an appearance in the NRL with St George Illawarra. Following this, television became his career focus taking him in London where he worked for the international broadcaster CNN for ten years. Assignments took him to almost 50 countries, from Iraq during the war to the hills of Hollywood. The lifelong urge to be a racehorse trainer drove Andrew back to Australia to find a mentor, and who better than the first lady of racing, Gai Waterhouse. After taking in as much as he could in his time at Randwick, Andrew landed the position of Assistant Trainer to Matt Cumani in Ballarat. For almost five years Andrew played the role of right-hand man to Matt Cumani, who is on track to become one of the brightest stars in Victoria’s training ranks.

Archibald Racing is a leading Australian thoroughbred training operation, committed to excellence in horse racing and racehorse development. Racing has never witnessed anything like the rise of Archibald Racing. Our commitment is simple: delivering results for our owners both on and off the track, ensuring you share your horse’s success and journey. We provide unique and evolving horse training techniques, data analysis, effective communication, and consistent feedback, with equine welfare at the forefront of our operation. Join us on this journey as we aim to become Australia’s leading thoroughbred horse trainer.

Darwin-based trainer Chloe Baxter has quickly established Baxter Thoroughbreds as one of the emerging forces of Northern Territory racing, building a competitive stable from her base at Fannie Bay. Originally from Victoria, Chloe grew up around horses and developed her horsemanship through showjumping and dressage before moving to Darwin. Her introduction to thoroughbred racing came through Phil and Rhonda Cole, initially working as a stablehand and strapper before learning to ride trackwork. Chloe continued to develop her skills working with experienced Darwin trainers including Garry Lefoe, Tayarn Halter and Lindsay Schmidt, gaining valuable hands-on experience across all areas of preparing racehorses in the unique Top End environment. Tayarn Halter became an important mentor as Chloe worked towards establishing a training career of her own. After gaining her trainer accreditation, Chloe launched Baxter Thoroughbreds with just one horse in the stable — First Crusade. The Nicconi gelding provided a memorable start when he became her first winner at Fannie Bay in July 2022, racing away to victory by five lengths. It proved to be the beginning of a rapid rise through the Darwin training ranks. Rather than expanding simply for the sake of numbers, Chloe has built her stable around a quality-over-quantity philosophy, with individual attention and attention to detail central to the way Baxter Thoroughbreds operates. That approach has helped the stable develop a reputation for consistently getting the best from its horses. Feature-race success soon followed. In 2023, He’s The Ultimate delivered an important Darwin Cup Carnival victory in the Metric Mile, further establishing Chloe as a trainer to watch in the Top End. The 2025 Darwin Cup Carnival marked another major step in her career. Vanguard Legend produced one of the stable's biggest victories by winning the Darwin Guineas, while Hell Fire Miss added further carnival success in the Rosebowl. The highlight came when Capitol Hill claimed the prestigious NT Derby, with stablemate Vanguard Legend finishing second to give Chloe a memorable Derby quinella. It was a significant achievement for a relatively young training operation and demonstrated the progress Baxter Thoroughbreds had made in a short period of time. The momentum continued into 2026, with Arizona Activist adding another feature success for the stable in the Simone Montgomerie Lightning Plate during the Darwin Cup Carnival. From stablehand and trackwork rider to feature-race-winning trainer, Chloe's progression reflects the hard work, horsemanship and dedication required behind the scenes in racing. Today, she combines a strong grounding in horse care and preparation with an increasingly impressive record on the racetrack. Her selective approach, hands-on involvement and focus on each individual horse continue to shape Baxter Thoroughbreds as one of Darwin racing's exciting developing stables.

Munce Racing is a hands-on family operation built around a lifelong passion for thoroughbred racing and a deep connection with racehorses. After an outstanding career as a champion jockey, Chris Munce made the transition from riding to training, bringing with him decades of racing experience and an intimate understanding of horses, race tactics and the demands of competition. His move into training was a natural progression, driven by the opportunity to work closely with horses throughout every stage of their development. Based at Queensland’s premier training centre at Eagle Farm, Munce Racing focuses on guiding horses from their early days as yearlings through to their careers on the racetrack. For Chris, training is about far more than preparing a horse for race day. It is about nurturing their potential, understanding their individual characteristics and watching them develop into mature racehorses. The knowledge gained from countless races as a jockey has become an important asset in Chris’s training career. His understanding of pace, fitness, race preparation and how horses perform under pressure provides valuable insight when developing each horse’s program. At the heart of Munce Racing is a strong family ethos and a genuine love of the horse. The stable takes pride in being closely involved in every aspect of a horse’s preparation, celebrating their progress and achievements along the way. Chris’s successful riding career provides the foundation for a stable that continues to establish itself within Queensland racing. The transition from champion jockey to trainer reflects his enduring commitment to the industry and his desire to continue working with the animals at its centre.

Over 50 years combined experience in the training and education of thoroughbred racehorses. Geran Racing is a family-driven thoroughbred training operation based at Clifford Park in Toowoomba, led by mother-and-son partnership Kylie and Corey Geran. Racing has long been part of the Geran family, with Kylie training for more than 15 seasons and Corey joining her in partnership from the 2019–20 season. Corey grew up wanting to train racehorses and built his experience working as a foreman for Melbourne Cup-winning trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon while completing university studies in business and law. His father, respected jockey Gary Geran, rode for 35 years and amassed more than 1,000 winners before retiring from race riding in 2023. He remains an important part of the stable, riding work and helping educate young horses. Geran Racing has developed into a strong provincial and country operation while increasingly making its mark in metropolitan and feature racing. Stable star Nikau Spur delivered the team’s first Stakes success when winning the Listed Queensland Cup at Eagle Farm in 2024 before adding the Listed Beauford at Newcastle. With a sizeable team in work, Geran Racing combines generations of practical horsemanship with a modern, ambitious approach, placing strong emphasis on teamwork, careful placement and getting the best from every horse.

Dan Morton commenced as a trainer in 2003 and now has one of the leading racing stables in WA. He is a highly regarded Group 1 winning trainer, having achieved success in some of the most prestigious races throughout Australia and Overseas. Working closely with each horse and with his background as a professional jockey, Dan often rides trackwork in their preparation, giving him an advantage of knowing where horses are at heading into a race. Together, Dan and his father Len have over 50 years of experience in the racing industry and lead a dedicated and talented team who bring their ‘best of breed’ skills, knowledge and love of horses from many countries around the world. Morton Racing’s success is very much attributed to the family contribution. Dan’s immediate family, wife Carol, son Luke and daughter Meghan, are all involved in the business and have been since he stepped up to take over the reigns from Len. Dan attributes his success not only to family, but also to his loyal band of staff headed up by stable foreman, Vince Collica. He thoughtfully hand picks exceptional staff with the same passion and drive and it is very much a team effort amongst the Morton team. Dan and Len both possess a keen eye to find a good horse. Stable stars, Scenic Shot, Scenic Blast, Man Booker and Dainty Tess, amongst others, were all purchased through the same thorough process they go through with every horse, which includes examining everything from the pedigree to inspecting the yearlings. Morton Racing are renowned for their ability to travel horses, not just to the major race carnivals throughout Australia, but also internationally. Len is the pioneer in travelling horses with care and attention and knowing which horse to travel, and through working with his father, Dan gained his valuable experience and knowledge along the way. Dan now travels horses with an impressive track record and is hands on all the way to ensure the absolute safety and well being of every horse. Sensational campaigns interstate and across the world, including triumph at the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting in England, come down to the rigorous attention to detail. Morton Racing’s dedicated team leave no stone unturned in each horse’s day to day training needs and this is what has cemented Morton Racing as a leading racing team in Western Australia.

Danny Williams was simply born to be an outstanding success in the racing industry. His father was a terrific jockey before turning his hand with equal success, giving Danny a grounding in racing from the time he started walking. Danny started working in Harry’s stable when he was 12 while embarking on a 15-year amateur riding career, which developed into a profession at 29. The switch to professional ranks was an easy one for Williams, who rode 48 winners in the first three months of riding at the TAB meetings to make a brilliant start to a career that was cut short by a back injury almost five years later. Time spent breaking in and trading racehorses led to Williams getting his trainer’s licence and starting a wonderful 15-year period as the private trainer for Goulburn owner Alan Cardy after initially preparing horses out of a stable at Dubbo. Williams notched Group race wins in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne with a succession of outstanding horses, including Wasted Emotions (11 wins and $479,000 in stakes), Kablammo (10 wins and $331,000) and Court Connection, who triumphed in the 2013 Canberra Cup. Williams also prepared the multiple Group winner Normal Practice, who also gave the trainer a win at the famous Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington while Fox Lake notched eight wins and more than $275,000 for the stable. Cape Breton showed Williams’s ability with all types of horses when he won the Group III Queensland Cup over 3200m in Brisbane a matter of weeks after running second in the Wagga Cup over 2000m. Williams is back training with extra vigour in his own right after a six-month period working with another astute horseman, two-state trainer Tony McEvoy, with a 48-box base located on-course at Goulburn and 10 Boxes plus Yards in Moruya utilizing the Beach and Salt water Therapy. Danny Williams has more than 35 years’ experience in racing but there’s never been a better time to get on board because the best is yet to come.

With over 20 years of experience in the racehorse industry David and Emmalee Browne are passionate about winning races and know what it takes to keep horses competing at the top level. Having enjoyed numerous successes in the New Zealand local racing industry and having successfully campaigned horses for many years in Australia, the decision was made to relocate permanently to Australia, and set up base at the outstanding Cranbourne Training Facility in Victoria. Both David and Emmalee have grown up living and breathing horses. David is the grandson of NZ Hall of Fame trainers Ken and Ann Browne, and Emmalee is the daughter of 3 Time Australian Show jumping Olympian Jeff McVean. This background has given them access to a wealth of knowledge that has enabled them to train successful racehorses to the highest-level including Leica Guv, Rollout the Carpet, Belle du Nord, Monarch Chimes, Elephant and recently Mcgaw. With a young and energetic team, David & Emmalee pride themselves on attention to detail and absolute commitment to both their horses and owners. Join the team that is enthusiastic and excited about introducing people to the Stable and the wonderful world of racing.

Kiwi-born and bred, my passion for racing began early — sparked by my father’s involvement in harness racing. Despite this, I pursued university studies in Accounting, Finance and Economics, laying a strong foundation for the business side of the sport. While studying, I gained valuable hands-on experience at Windsor Park Stud in Cambridge, working across stallion coverings, broodmare management and foalings. The opportunity provided a strong grounding in thoroughbred breeding and gave me a greater appreciation of every stage of a racehorse’s development. It also reinforced my ambition to build a long-term career within the racing industry. I was later accepted into the prestigious Darley Flying Start, now known as Godolphin Flying Start, a two-year international management program established by Sheikh Mohammed to develop future leaders within the global thoroughbred industry. The program provided exposure to some of the world’s leading racing and bloodstock operations. Placements included working with internationally successful trainer Mike De Kock in Dubai during an unforgettable Dubai World Cup season, providing first-hand experience of racing at the highest level. I also spent time with Darley Australia during John O’Shea’s tenure as head trainer, gaining valuable insight into elite stable management, horse development and the strategic side of a major international racing and breeding organisation. Together, these experiences provided a broad international education in racing, training and bloodstock, while shaping my understanding of the professionalism, planning and horsemanship required to succeed at the highest level.

Having amassed experience from the best in the business around the world, Jack's journey to becoming a trainer has been almost 20 years in the making. After spending time chasing a childhood dream of being a jump jockey in both his native Ireland and in the UK, it became clear that this goal wasn't sustainable. The decision was made to obtain a global understanding of the sport, and the ensuing years were spent gaining experience in Australia, South Africa, USA, Canada, UAE, France & Japan. Now based in New South Wales, Australia, Jack spent the past few years with both Mark Newnham as a Stable Foreman, and with Champion Trainer Chris Waller as a Racing Manager before going out on his own. Jack’s hands on and personal approach guarantees the utmost attention directly from the trainer to the horse. His firm attention to detail will ensure no stone is left unturned in the preparation of your horse for the races. Jack has worked with Champion Racehorses such as Nature Strip, Winx, Verry Elleegant, Battash, & Muhaarar. While past mentors include the likes of Chris Waller, Ciaron Maher, Richard Mandella, Charlie Hills, Justin Snaith & Northern Farm Although meticulous, committed, professional and competitive, Jack also appreciates the fun side of horse racing, as well as the thrill of winning, and can’t wait to enjoy the journey with all of our clients! The variety of tracks on offer at Hawkesbury is second to none. It bosts a Polytrack, a nice wide Sand track, a Grass track that is open virtually every day of the year and a Course Proper that is open to metropolitan level horses. There is also the Back Sand track which is ideal for calmer days, and the Bush tracks which provide great mental stimulation while enjoying a nice relaxing stroll through the countryside! There is ample space to warm-up everywhere, and our stable is a lovely 600m distance from the main gap. Hawkesbury has a wonderfully calm atmosphere that enables the horses to compete all of their work in a relaxed manner.

Jason Warren Racing combines Group-winning training expertise, outstanding facilities and genuine personal service in a family-run stable that loves racing and loves sharing the experience with our owners. Based across Mornington and Karasi Park, our horses have access to an exceptional range of training and recovery options, including a 2,000m training track, 1,000m straight gallops, spacious boxes, extensive turnout paddocks and regular beach work. This variety allows us to tailor each horse’s program, keeping them happy, sound and performing at their best. Jason is a multiple Group-winning trainer with more than 20 years’ experience and a proven ability to develop horses across all ages and distances. His hands-on approach, horsemanship and eye for placing horses are at the heart of the stable. We pride ourselves on being one of racing’s genuinely personable operations. Owners can speak to us, know what is happening with their horse and feel part of the journey. We ensure value for money, exceptional communication and high standards of horse care is all part of the package we provide. As an owner we will take you on the journey with your horse. Most importantly, we are a family-oriented stable with a fantastic team and a great culture. We work hard, we love our horses, and we make sure our owners have fun along the way. Great facilities. Proven results. Personal service. Exceptional value. And a team you’ll genuinely enjoy going racing with.

Jimmy Downes Racing is family operated with a small hands on team who work very closely with all our horses. Our training takes place on our family equine spelling & agistment property positioned in the beautiful Scenic Rim. Located 100km south west of Brisbane and a stones throw from the Gold Coast. Jimmy Downes Racing offers the lot when it comes to training horses. Pre-Training with our state of the art GG Engineering Treadmill, swimming pool and our green spacious spelling paddocks on site being Christmas Creek Thoroughbreds. Jimmy has an extensive background in the industry that dates back many generations from working, owning, breeding, racing and spelling thoroughbreds. All our horses have the best opportunity to shine both at the track and in the paddock. Our horses rest, recover, relax and race. Jimmy and the team have a drive and passion for the industry but more importantly the well-being and development of all horses. We believe this is essential and strive to produce happy and healthy horses for all our clients.

Committed to success for all clients across all budgets. Liam Birchley operates a horse training operation built around careful horse selection and giving every horse the opportunity to reach its full potential. He is personally involved in the selection of every horse that enters the stable. His approach combines a strong understanding of pedigree with a keen eye for athleticism and value, allowing the stable to consistently secure well-bred yearlings capable of outperforming their purchase price. This philosophy has produced outstanding results on the track. Liam has been training for over 30 years both in Australia and internationally and has over 50 horses currently in work. He has trained multiple Group and Listed winners in all eastern states and New Zealand. The stable has developed a reputation for preparing talented horses capable of competing in major races and he is one of the few trainers that have identified, bought and trained his own horses successfully over a long period of time.

Liam Ruddy is a passionate and determined racehorse trainer whose journey into the industry has been driven by a lifelong ambition to train winners. Raised around family-trained jumps horses in Scotland, Liam developed his horsemanship early, riding several winners over the jumps before committing fully to a career in racing. His formative years in the industry were shaped by hands-on experience across some of Australia’s most respected operations. Liam spent three years breaking in and educating yearlings for leading stables including Chris Waller Racing, Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, and Limitless Lodge, developing a deep understanding of young horse education and foundation training. He also completed two seasons working with stallions at Vinery Stud, further broadening his knowledge of bloodstock and breeding operations. Liam’s career progression saw him undertake a 12-month cadetship with the Sydney stewards, providing invaluable insight into racing regulation, integrity, and compliance. At just 22 years of age, he was appointed Racing Manager within the Ciaron Maher Racing operation, a role he held for four years. During this time, Liam was heavily involved in form analysis, race planning, placement, and assisting with the preparation and management of a large, high-performing team of horses at the elite level. In 2025, Liam achieved a significant career milestone when he was granted his trainer’s licence and established Ruddy Racing, setting up his base in the heart of the Hunter Valley at Dartbrook Downs. From here, he trains a growing string of horses with a strong focus on performance, progressive development, and long-term soundness. Liam’s training philosophy blends traditional horsemanship with modern training methods. With access to high-quality facilities that mirror those of leading metropolitan stables including purpose-built yards, advanced training surfaces, and comprehensive conditioning equipment every horse in the stable is prepared in an environment designed to support both wellbeing and performance. In addition to race training, Liam undertakes a small and selective number of Ready-to-Run and sale preparation projects. His careful approach to selection, education, and presentation has already delivered strong results, reinforcing his reputation as a thoughtful and astute judge of talent. Above all, Liam prides himself on honest communication, strategic placement, and a genuine commitment to delivering results for his owners. Whether developing emerging talent or targeting success at higher levels, his goal is to build a stable that consistently stands out for its professionalism, preparation, and competitive spirit.

Marc Chevalier grew up in France and has built his skills working with horses through experience with some of the biggest names in the thoroughbred world across both hemispheres. Wanting to have a proper understanding of the thoroughbred itself, Marc started his journey with French trainer Philippe Chemin, who trained on the beach. It was a valuable experience learning to ride racehorses in that environment. He then went to ride at the famous Deauville for Gilles Pannier. Marc then made the move to England working at Sheik Hamdan's Shadwell Stud. It is here he worked with horses at every stage of their lives. Mare's and foal's as well as riding horses with some of the best bloodlines in England. He returned to France to work at the famed HH The Aga Khan. The Aga Khan Stud is home to some of the best pedigree's in the world and Marc had the privilege and responsibility of the breaking in and early education of The Aga Khan's horse. Marc wanted to continue to learn as much as he could, he moved to Australia to work at Arrowfield Stud through the connection with John Messara's farm and The Aga Khan. Marc thought he would have a six-month working holiday. It is now ten years later. Riding work for Paul Messara, who trained out of Arrowfield as well as being General Manager of the Stud, Marc worked his way up to Stable Foreman. Marc was always more interested in training on his own but it was important to have a complete understanding of training in Australia before doing so. He left Arrowfield and took an opportunity to be Assistant Trainer to Gary Moore at Rosehill. Together they tasted Group 1 Glory with Takedown in the Winterbottom Stakes in 2016. He then spent time at Lloyd Williams' state-of-the-art Macedon Lodge before being approached by Danny O'Brien to head his Flemington stable. Marc played an integral part in arguably the most in-form stable in Victoria, if not Australia. Having horses such as the mighty Russian Camelot and Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare in the stable has held Marc in good stead on how to train horses at the top level for a variety of targets. Marc and his wife Charlotte returned to New South Wales and made the bold move to set up their stable. The time was right and an opportunity at an ideal property backing onto the Hawkesbury Racecourse had to be seized.

Newmarket born and bred, the son of revered English Derby winner, Luca Cumani, and brother to renowned racing expert and commentator, Francesca, Matt has racing in his blood. Having worked the world over, Matt has decided to draw upon this cumulative experience and launch his own independent operation from his top-class facility in Australia. Matt’s approach seamlessly blends the best of old-school horsemanship with his own take on globally informed techniques and up-to-the-minute industry advancements. Matt boasts ten years of varied and intensive experience under the tutelage of some of the world’s most celebrated trainers, among them, Todd Pletcher, Paddy Gallagher, Chris Waller, Ed Dunlop, and of course, Luca Cumani. It is this dynamic range of exposure and learned techniques that grants Matt a unique breadth and comprehensive depth unrivalled in the industry.

Matt Hoysted’s career in thoroughbred racing began at an early age. Raised in Wangaratta, Victoria, he grew up around horses with his father working as a trainer. After moving to Melbourne at 13, Matt’s first job was with leading owner Lloyd Williams at Flemington, working alongside his uncle Robert Hickmott, who was stable foreman at the time. During Matt’s four years with the stable, the operation moved to the world-class Macedon Lodge training facility. This provided him with invaluable experience working with high-quality racehorses including Efficient, Gallic and Zipping. Matt then joined Michael Moroney’s Flemington stable, spending five years there and serving as Assistant Trainer for three. During this period, he worked with Group 1 performers including Brazilian Pulse, Monaco Consul and Glass Harmonium. At the end of 2014, Matt relocated to Brisbane and joined leading trainer Tony Gollan for 18 months before becoming Assistant Trainer to Steven O’Dea. His contribution to the stable continued to grow, and in October 2020 he was promoted to co-trainer alongside O’Dea. The partnership quickly achieved outstanding results. In less than two and a half years, Matt and Steve celebrated Group 1 success when Uncommon James won the Oakleigh Plate. The stable also enjoyed significant interstate success with horses such as Shooting For Gold and Scallopini winning feature races in Victoria. During the 2021–22 season, the O’Dea-Hoysted partnership achieved an exceptional metropolitan winning strike rate of 31.7%, the highest of any Queensland stable. When Steven O’Dea retired from training in 2024, Matt began the next chapter of his career with the launch of Matt Hoysted Racing. By retaining the experienced staff, systems and facilities at their Eagle Farm base, the transition was seamless. With continued support from loyal clients, Matt Hoysted Racing has maintained a strong record of success throughout south-east Queensland.

A defining moment in Michael’s career came in 2020, when he purchased one of South Australia’s most historic thoroughbred properties, Lakewood Stud. In his first year training from Lakewood, Michael joined a prestigious honour roll featuring icons such as Bart Cummings, David Hayes, and Leon MacDonald by winning the 2020/21 South Australian Metropolitan Trainer’s Premiership, with an impressive 40 city wins for the season. Today, Michael’s stable offers the best of both worlds; a boutique, hands-on approach combined with a clear focus on metropolitan-grade racing. By capping his numbers at 40 horses in work at any one time, ensuring that each horse receives individual attention with tailored training methods, and that every owner can enjoy a personal connection with the stable. Michael refined his craft under some of the brightest minds in the racing world, both in Australia and abroad. His operation grew from a small, dedicated team of horses to one of the state’s most respected stables. During his early years in South Australia, Michael also developed a strong focus on producing quality horses – for the Asian racing market, particularly Hong Kong, a venture that strengthened his reputation for identifying and developing elite equine talent. This facet of his training operation allowed for him to make the key move to Lakewood. At just 18 years old, Michael announced himself to the racing world by winning the time-honoured Darwin Cup with General Market, a triumph that kickstarted a prolific career in the thoroughbred industry. Only a few years later, he claimed his second Darwin Cup with Activation in 2009, before turning 21.

Racing runs in Mitch Freedman’s blood. His grandfather was a bookmaker and his father worked in the industry, providing Mitch with early exposure to horses and the racing environment. Prior to obtaining his trainer’s licence, Mitch gained valuable experience working with some of Victoria’s most respected trainers, including Kathryn and Craig Durden, Andrew Payne, and Dan O’Sullivan. He then spent a significant period with Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir, where he ultimately served as foreman of the Warrnambool stable. In this role, Mitch was responsible for the care and management of a number of elite horses, including dual Group 1 winner Platelet, top mare May’s Dream, and Puissance De Lune, who delivered a memorable Emirates Stakes Day victory in 2012. During his time with Weir, Mitch developed a strong understanding of the benefits of varied training routines and beach work, strategies designed to maintain horses’ physical conditioning and mental well-being. He further enhanced his knowledge internationally, gaining insight into European training methods while working with leading trainers David Simcock and Andrew Balding. This combination of local and international experience has informed Mitch’s disciplined and comprehensive training philosophy.

Racing has always been part of life for Mitchell Pateman, an accomplished former jockey who has quickly established himself as one of Western Australia’s emerging training talents. Based at Ascot Racecourse in Perth, Mitchell comes from a respected racing family. His late father, Michael Pateman, was a successful jockey and trainer, while his mother, Maria Hunter, has also been heavily involved in the thoroughbred industry. Before turning his attention to training, Mitchell enjoyed a successful career in the saddle, riding more than 700 winners, including 13 at stakes level. He saddled his first runner as a trainer in 2021 and soon made his mark. His breakthrough performer This’ll Testya delivered Mitchell his first Group victory in the 2022 Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes before finishing third in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes. Further stakes success has followed as Mitchell continues to build an increasingly strong Ascot stable. With a lifetime of racing experience behind him, Mitchell brings a genuine horseman’s perspective and a competitive edge to every horse in his care.

Paul Shailer brings more than a decade of elite, big-stable experience to Shailer Racing. He spent over 12 years with Chris Waller Racing, playing a key role in the rise of the stable from modest beginnings to one of the most dominant operations in Australian racing history. Following a successful stint training in New Zealand, Paul was invited back to Australia to lead the Gold Coast operation for Chris Waller Racing. During this time, he gained invaluable experience with some of the sport’s most celebrated horses, including Winx, The Autumn Sun, Zousain, Lean Mean Machine, and Invincibella — experiences that shaped his meticulous, systems-driven approach to training. Since establishing Shailer Racing, Paul has forged a strong reputation for developing sharp, professional two-year-olds, with multiple juvenile winners and success in races rich with Magic Millions incentives. His ability to educate young horses early, place them astutely, and deliver value for owners has become a defining strength of the stable. After quickly becoming the leading trainer on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Shailer Racing is now based at a state-of-the-art training complex within the Gold Coast Turf Club’s $63 million redevelopment. With access to a wide variety of premium training facilities and surfaces, every horse’s individual needs are carefully catered for - all with the goal of maximising performance and long-term success for owners.

Robert Heathcote’s path to becoming one of Queensland’s leading racehorse trainers was far from conventional. One of ten children raised in Launceston, Tasmania, he came from a family with no racing background and began his career as a photo engraver with The Examiner newspaper. After completing his apprenticeship, he travelled to Europe, where he spent 15 years working in tourism with Contiki, Trafalgar Tours and Insight International Travel, as well as managing a ski lodge in Austria. His first exposure to thoroughbred racing came in England, where he attended racetracks with his brother Wayne and saw some of the world’s best horses, including Danehill. Returning to Australia to settle down, Heathcote chose Brisbane for its climate. Through Wayne, who had horses in training with leading trainers, Rob became involved as a racing manager, communicating with trainers and helping with horse progress and race planning. Despite having limited training experience, Heathcote accepted the challenge and immersed himself in learning the craft. He was granted his trainer’s licence in 1997 and, with a small stable, finished sixth in the premiership in his first season. He continued to learn from respected horsemen including Eric Kirwan and Bruce McLachlan, placing importance on learning from mistakes and improving. Over the following two decades, Heathcote trained more than 1,000 winners, earned multiple Queensland Trainer of the Year awards, won five metropolitan premierships and a State Training Premiership. His Group 1 record reached 11 victories, with stable star Buffering responsible for seven, including a Moir Stakes triumph. Heathcote is married to Vicky and has two children, Nicholas and Charmaine. Central to his training philosophy is his belief that owners are the most important people in racing. His client relationships reflect his communication, regular updates and approachable personality, helping people feel connected to the stable and its horses.

I rode successfully as a jockey before weight issues forced an early retirement but I always knew my purpose in life was to succeed as a thoroughbred trainer. My unshakeable desire to succeed at the highest level as a trainer drove me during a long and sometimes difficult journey to the top of the sport, which has propelled me into the top 10 in the Victorian Trainers’ Premiership on numerous occasions. However, Griffiths Racing has only flourished with the wonderful support of my family, friends, staff and clients that have continued to back my vision for more than two decades. I was born into the game and rode for training greats such as the late Colin Hayes, Bart Cummings, Lee Freedman and other brilliant horsemen, which stood me in good stead and helped me outride my claim within two years. That experience also provided a great springboard for my period in training, which began when I became stable foreman for Tony Vasil in 1991. A year spent with Tony was a terrific grounding before I was able to observe the best European trainers first-hand to glean further knowledge. I was able to use that knowledge from the moment I gained my trainer’s licence in 1991. Victoria’s Super VOBIS and VOBIS Gold schemes have been a key plank of the Griffiths Racing rise to the top. I have tailored my buying strategy around the incentive schemes and the great benefits they provide buy doing almost all our yearling purchasing at the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale and focussing on horses qualified for the scheme at the remaining Australian sales. The approach has paid off because Griffiths Racing has been the highest earner of Super VOBIS and VOBIS Gold bonuses in multiple seasons, which only increases the prize money returns to our great client. Selecting the right type of horse is also vital. I am a perfectionist and will only buy the best stock at the right price. I want the type of horse that will be ready to run early and compete strongly through the VOBIS Gold series, which now lasts throughout a horse’s career, only multiplying the opportunities available to secure great prize money.

From an early age Scott had been associated with thoroughbred horse racing. After riding trackwork as a 14 year-old, he became an amateur jockey. As he matured, weight became a problem and made it difficult for him to continue race-riding. It was then he concentrated on honing his skills toward training thoroughbreds, ultimately enabling him to achieve his life’s ambition. Early days, a short sojourn to England, where he met his now wife Lucy, Scott kept his eyes and ears open gaining valuable knowledge, learning tricks of the trade and absorbing the wisdom of successful trainers whilst there. At the ripe old age of 20, Scott obtained his Licence to Train. In addition to his training duties, one of his employees was the late, legendary trainer, Bart Cummings. Scott worked as lead trackwork rider at his renowned property on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, Princes Farm. During his time at “The Farm”, he was associated with and laid the foundations for two-time Cox Plate winner, now top sire So You Think, Melbourne Cup winner, Viewed and Roman Emperor winner of an AJC Derby, to name just a few. Scott believes a hands-on approach is invaluable, it allows him to gauge how his “charges” are progressing throughout their preparations and with regards to training methods, if anything needs to be changed. Applying this methodology has been proven successful as borne out with the successes in earlier times of Dark Brown Sugar, Platinum Jack (who has won interstate) Rollin’ontheriver and more recently Stock Up (NZ), Concessions, Rich and Shameless and Itasca. Scott had been a leading trainer at Hawkesbury, on the outskirts of Sydney, on more than one occassion. He has a reputation of being an astute trainer and horseman, prepared to travel in order to notch up victories for his valuable and in a lot of cases long-term clients. Toward the end of 2019, a very important chapter in the lives Scott, his wife Lucy and their children Jack and Zoey eventuated. Singleton Racing Stables purchased a wonderful property on the banks of the Hunter River in the heart of thoroughbred horse country, Scone. It was “barebones” at time of purchase but Scott and Lucy saw it had untapped potential, for example the establishment and fencing of paddocks and building of stables would turn it into an idyllic location for horses in work that need a brief refreshing getaway from stable life. Racing NSW had purchased 140 hectares in the surrounds of the Scone Race Club with the aim of establishing a Training Centre Of Excellence, along the lines of Newmarket in England. The stable was lucky enough to obtain stables at the complex which has all the facilities including a swimming pool which is adjacent. Scott feels this new venture will give his clients horses easy access to the great prizemoney available at a number of country tracks such as Scone, Muswellbrook, Cessnock, Gunnedah, Tamworth, Quirindi, Armidale, Mudgee, Wellington and Dubbo to name a few. They are all easy drives from Scone. More importantly, it is not so very different when taking traffic into consideration to get to all the Provincial and Metropolitan tracks (Newcastle, Wyong and Gosford are an easy straight road float trip). This will allow his horses to race in company that gives them a greater opportunity to maximise their potential prizemoney return without the stress of long road trips. We will also be eligible for country-trained horse races like the TAB Highways, Kosciusko etc. Scott is backed up by the newly-created committed team of staff, led by Lucy,dedicated to providing the best results for their clients and the continuance of the excellent care his stable provides.

Shane Nichols Racing is a boutique training operation based less than 60 minutes from Melbourne in picturesque Mornington, which encompasses all that the Peninsula Region is about: friendly people, a serene location, fresh air, and a unique environment for humans and horses. Shane Nichols Racing is one of the few training and racing operations situated close to Melbourne that embraces a truly personalised approach to both horses and their owners. With a maximum of 30 horses in work at any one time, the preferred method of communication is via the owner’s choice of personal contact whether that is phone call, text message or email. The Shane Nichols Racing approach to horse management is in alignment with this ethos, with Shane personally overseeing the management of each horse’s preparation on a daily basis. Horses are stabled on Shane’s properties on Mornington Racing Centre which provides the benefits of year round grass track gallops (7 days of the week) and an all weather sand track surface that has recently been upgraded. Utilisation of the steeplechase course allows for variation of work patterns on the flat or hill surfaces. Owners are encouraged to be involved with their horse’s preparation and are welcomed by Shane Nichols Racing friendly staff at track work or on race day. As an owner, the only way to understand the service and value of the Shane Nichols Racing experience is to come and see the operation for yourself. Shane Nichols was born to be a horseman! The son of one of the most successful Yarra Valley trainers to date - John Nichols, Shane started working around the stables as a child and quickly progressed to being a valued member of the family racing operation by the time he was a teenager. After spending time as foreman for John, and experiencing other pre-training and training operations interstate, it was a natural progression for Shane to “go it alone” and try his hand at training in his own right. Having been granted a Victorian trainer’s license 21 years ago, Shane has progressed from training for some of his local mates to establishing a fully professional and commercial training outfit over the past 7 years. Without a doubt Shane's highlight of his racing career comes from the Group One win of I Am A Star. While on the way to the win of the 2016 Group One Myer Classic at Flemington this filly also won the Group Three Quezette Stakes. Winning a Group One is every trainers dream and Shane has the credentials to do it. Shane regularly purchases horses on behalf of clients at yearling sales around Australia including Sydney Easter, Magic Millions and Melbourne Premier, and his frank opinion on yearlings, race form and thoroughbred wellbeing is sought by many in the industry, including leading owners, auctioneers and studs. Shane welcomes enquiries from prospective owners and would enjoy the opportunity to show you around his stables and the Mornington Racing Centre facilities.

Trainer Toby prides himself on his ability to place his horses in the right races, giving owners the best possible chance of experiencing the thrill of winning as well as being incredibly hands on with all his horses and he isn’t afraid to climb aboard and get a feel for them at the beach or in the flat work arena! Having exceeded over 1000 winners during his training career and maintaining a strong strike rate. The stable has successfully been on top of the Gold Coast Turf Club training premiership and regularly in the top 10 of QLD Trainer’s. Toby has been surrounded by horses his whole life. He started in his teens learning his trade from renowned horsemen such as Neville Begg and Peter Snowden based in Scone. After previous stints at the Gold Coast and Warwick Farm he re-located permanently to the Gold coast back in 2011 and each year he has increased his number of winners whilst maintaining his industry leading strike rate. Perhaps Toby’s favourite story when it comes to dinner party conversation is the well documented tale of his early connection with a horse destined to become one of the world’s most sought after stallions. In 2006 Toby went over budget to purchase the colt for $62,500 and was delighted to become the first trainer of I Am Invincible. Toby has the experience, knowledge, climate and facilities to ensure your horse produces their best on race day. Toby's recent stakes winners include - Houtzen, Tyzone, Alpine Edge, Hard Empire, The Harrovian, Whypeeo, Winter Bride, Me Me Lagarde, Usmanov, The Vowels, Vanna Girl, From Within & Spicy Martini

Welcome to Todd Pollard Racing! I have been looking forward to commencing my own training career since 2008, when I started my first job with a local Matamata trainer. Since this time, I have dedicated myself to racing, learning from some of the best in the industry, and steadily building the skills, experience and confidence needed to establish Todd Pollard Racing. I was aware that my knowledge of horses and ability to work with horses was not the only key to success, therefore, committed myself to a Commerce Degree at University. I was then awarded a scholarship on the Godolphin Flying Start program, an internationally recognised course that selects only 12 participants from around the world each year. This was an incredible experience, travelling the world (Ireland, UK, Dubai, American and Australia) for two years with 11 other like-minded individuals. The graduates from this program include top trainers Adrian Bott and Francis-Henri Graffard; whom I hope to one day have as much success. Once graduating in 2018, I went home to New Zealand and took up a position as Racing Manager to Stephen Marsh. Stephen is one of New Zealand’s top trainers, having had plenty of success in both NZ and Australia. My role with him was hands on and covered all aspects of the business. Stephen was a great boss and mentor, certainly teaching me plenty about everything to expect as a trainer! An opportunity then opened with Annabel Archibald as her Assistant Trainer in Sydney. This was my opportunity to further my career goals of training by working alongside a top trainer in Sydney. Although Annabel was just starting out, it was evident the talent of horses she had on her books and what the stable would evolve to. Some of my best memories here was with top horses, Zaaki and Mo’unga. Following a period of 18 months, Annabel asked me to move to Queensland where I would help set up and lead the Queensland stable. The Eagle Farm stable saw me look after 50+ horses at a time, taking care of all day-to-day operations of a stable. This helped me gain significant understanding of what is involved in operating a training business and has formulated the approach I have taken to Todd Pollard Racing. I am proud of the success the Eagle Farm stable has had over the years, including Group 1 winners Bois D’argent and Sunshine in Paris, multiple Magic Million winners and plenty of Stakes Race wins.

Sears Racing is one of Queensland’s leading training partnerships, lead by father and daughter duo, Tony and Maddysen Sears. Professionally training thoroughbreds as TJ Sears Racing since 1992, Tony’s impressive career brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the stables. Tony has an outstanding amount of industry experience, an exceptional reputation and his passion for racing and thoroughbreds is second to none. Maddysen has lived and breathed horse racing her entire life and in 2019 Tony & Maddy combined forces and became the co-training partnership of Sears Racing. The unique father-daughter training partnership creates a fusion of a lifetime of tried and tested experience with a savvy modern perspective. We combine a holistic approach with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, providing top quality performance and outstanding results for your thoroughbreds. Above all, at Sears Racing we have an unwavering love of the sport. Our passion for horse racing is at the forefront of everything we do. The trust and love from our owners and supporters makes all of this possible and we are so grateful to have you on this journey with us. Sears Racing provides premium quality performance and outstanding results for your thoroughbreds. The unique father-daughter training partnership of Tony & Maddy Sears brings a fusion of a lifetime of tried and tested experience and a wealth of knowledge with an innovative modern perspective. Above all, at Sears Racing we have an unwavering love of the sport. Our passion for horse racing is at the forefront of everything we do.

Travis Doudle is a vibrant former jumps jockey who has made a name for himself in the Australian racing scene. His journey began over twenty years ago in a small country town just outside of Port Lincoln, where his passion for horses first took root. After a decade of riding in Victoria he returned home to start his training career. With determination and a backyard stable built alongside his father, Travis laid the foundation for what would become a flourishing training career. Starting with just four horses, he made the bold move to Morphettville, where his operation steadily grew into the successful business it is today. Known for his hands-on approach and deep connection with each horse, Travis tailors his training to suit individual needs. Whether it’s beach gallops, forest trail work, or innovative conditioning routines, he’s committed to bringing out the very best in every runner. Outside of racing, Travis is a proud husband and father. He continues to build a training legacy based on passion, resilience, and results—with a future that’s just getting started.