Best trainers around the country?

Just an opinions poll - who do people think are the most astute trainers and/or horsepersons in each state?

Not neccessarily a trainer with dozens and dozens in work. Might not ever win a premiership (or might).

Doesn't break them down too often. Doesn't race them into the ground as juveniles unless they are absolutely mature enough. Looks after them and tends to get horses through a full career. Has a great strike rate for producing the best out of his/her animals.

Who do people really rate as the best of the best?

Emma Stewart for me. Always has exciting youngsters in the stable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyson

Emma Stewart for me. Always has exciting youngsters in the stable.

Tend to agree with you always respect her horses have a slight reservation as she is the partner of Peter Tonkin i think and believe he was a chemist in past life maybe wrong but that is what i have been told.
But her horses do go well Restrepo tonight a prime example big win

Partner of Peter's son Clayton. They may be good trainers but they are always active at the yearling sales with plenty of cash. Does that make them better than Johnny up the road who can't afford good cattle? Interesting

Bit biased being a QLDer from a long way back, and though he is now on the cusp of retirement, Bill Dixon for me. His records going back to the 70's speak volumes for a bloke who had cattle of limited ability/cast-offs etc and limited tracks to race at way up north. Eventually made the move to S E Qld and found a place to showcase his trade.

If I had a pick of a trainer to send one horse to it would be the Tonkin/Stewart setup.

Jayne Davies/Noel Alexander.Any track,any grade,any day of the week and always superbly driven by CA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lenem

Jayne Davies/Noel Alexander.Any track,any grade,any day of the week and always superbly driven by CA.

Yes i found it hard to divide the two as they both have brillant youngsters each year. It's funny how both parties haven't had too many that i have noticed carry on after the baby years ?

B j lew

This is a hard one. Are we judging by the amount of money that is behind them or are we judging by trainers that can get lower priced horses to win some nice races etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by geoffkel

This is a hard one. Are we judging by the amount of money that is behind them or are we judging by trainers that can get lower priced horses to win some nice races etc.

My criteria would be someone who gets the most out of their cattle but not at the expense of the horse's long term career. Or if they do go hard early they still are going as older horses too. Purdon has big money, but is also a GUN judge at the sales, and he gets them up as 2yo's but also they seem to keep going as older horses. Tonkin's are great judges too but for me they seem to have a lot of major injuries with their younger ones and not many race on to be great older horses. Just my observation.

you have to be joking

NSW: David Thorn & Team McCarthy (Luke & John both excellent)
QLD: Grant Dixon
VIC: Kerryn Manning
SA: no standouts
WA: Gary Hall SNR

They are the standouts in my view. D Thorn is my pick of the above but I am biased of course.

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve

you have to be joking

But my criteria includes not breaking horses down, or cooking them as juveniles? Could well be ignorance talking mate but Purdon seems to me to get GC horses as well as vicbred and breeders crown etc.

Nicole Molander, small stable but impressive strike rate & with a top driver in Blake Fitzpatrick.