The Art of Training: Unveiling the Secrets Behind Racing's Elite
What makes a trainer truly outstanding? Is it the ability to coax peak performance from a horse, or the strategic vision to navigate a season’s challenges? This year’s shortlist for the 2025-26 Most Outstanding Training Performance award has me pondering these questions deeply. Four stables have been recognized, each with a story that goes beyond mere wins and losses. Personally, I think this award isn’t just about results—it’s about the artistry, resilience, and innovation that define modern horse training.
The Contenders: More Than Just Names
Racing Victoria’s announcement of the finalists—Cindy Alderson, Henry Dwyer, Tony and Calvin McEvoy, and Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman—immediately sparked my curiosity. What makes this particularly fascinating is the diversity of their achievements. Each trainer has a unique narrative, yet they all share one thing: an ability to elevate their horses to extraordinary heights.
Take Cindy Alderson, for instance. Her work with Jigsaw is nothing short of remarkable. A seven-year-old sprinter with just one defeat in eight starts? That’s not luck—that’s precision. What many people don’t realize is that Jigsaw’s success is deeply personal for Alderson. Bred by her mother, Lynne, this horse represents a family legacy. From The Meteorite at Cranbourne to the Railway Stakes at Ellerslie, Alderson’s campaign was a masterclass in adaptability. Crossing the Tasman for a Group 1 victory? That’s bold. Returning to Australia to dominate the William Reid Stakes and then heading to Perth for The Quokka? That’s visionary.
If you take a step back and think about it, Alderson’s approach challenges the conventional wisdom that sprinters have a limited shelf life. Jigsaw’s longevity and consistency suggest something deeper: a trainer who understands not just the horse’s physical capabilities but also its mental resilience.
The Broader Implications: What This Really Suggests
This award raises a deeper question: What does it mean to be an outstanding trainer in today’s racing landscape? Is it about winning the biggest races, or is it about maximizing a horse’s potential regardless of pedigree or age? From my perspective, the latter is far more impressive.
Consider the McEvoys—Tony and Calvin. Their partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration. In an industry often dominated by individual egos, their ability to work seamlessly together is a breath of fresh air. What this really suggests is that the future of training might lie in collective expertise rather than solo genius.
Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman’s inclusion is equally intriguing. Moody, a veteran of the sport, pairing with Coleman, a rising star, highlights the importance of mentorship and generational transition. One thing that immediately stands out is how their partnership blends experience with innovation. This isn’t just about winning races; it’s about building a legacy.
The Hidden Patterns: What We Can Learn
A detail that I find especially interesting is the global nature of these campaigns. Whether it’s Alderson’s trans-Tasman success or the McEvoys’ interstate dominance, today’s trainers are thinking beyond borders. This isn’t just a local sport anymore—it’s a global game.
What this trend implies is that trainers must now be strategists, logisticians, and psychologists all rolled into one. Managing a horse’s travel, acclimatization, and mental state across different environments is no small feat. It’s a far cry from the days when trainers could focus solely on local tracks.
The Future of Training: Speculations and Insights
If I were to speculate, I’d say the next decade will see even more emphasis on data-driven training, international campaigns, and collaborative partnerships. The days of the lone trainer dominating the sport are numbered. The future belongs to those who can adapt, innovate, and think globally.
What many people don’t realize is that the success of these trainers isn’t just about their horses—it’s about their ability to navigate an increasingly complex industry. From prize money to media scrutiny, the pressures are immense. Yet, these finalists have not only survived but thrived.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
As I reflect on this year’s shortlist, I’m struck by the sheer diversity of their achievements. Each trainer has a unique story, yet they all share a common thread: an unwavering commitment to excellence. In my opinion, this award isn’t just about recognizing the best—it’s about inspiring the next generation of trainers to think bigger, dream bolder, and push boundaries.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how these trainers are redefining what’s possible in the sport. They’re not just training horses; they’re shaping the future of racing. And that, to me, is the most outstanding performance of all.
