My thanks to popular Queensland race caller Russell Leonard for drawing my attention to a notable training performance at the Barcaldine meeting on September 4th. Respected local trainer Todd Austin prepared four winners and four placings on the eight race card. His winners Wall Street Tycoon, Blade Man, Yule My Hero and That Song were all ridden by the talented Ric McMahon.
Todd Austin's four win haul at Barcaldine on September 4 earned him the Hygain/Mitavite Country Trainer Of The Month Award - courtesy RLR Photography.
Todd has won more than 800 races since turning to training some eighteen years ago following a very successful riding career in country Queensland. He was apprenticed to legendary Blackall horseman Charlie Prow who’s still training a small team at a sprightly eighty years of age. Charlie was catapulted into the racing spotlight in the late 1980’s as the trainer and rider of Miss Petty, one time holder of the Australasian record for consecutive wins. Her benchmark of 22 wins stood for 24 years, and it took an icon called Black Caviar to sweep her from the record books.
Todd Austin has overcome some serious health issues in the last five years, but continues to achieve excellent results with his 25 horse team. He’s a dedicated, hands on trainer whose trademark is never ending attention to detail. He’s our bush trainer of the month for September, and has the opportunity to select twelve bags of the Hygain/Mitavite product of his choice. By the way Todd will be joining us on the podcast in the near future. Keep an eye out!
Todd after one of nine wins with Sizzalating. With him are sons Tommy and Toby. Bob Carolan joined the group - courtesy RLR Photography
(Banner image - Todd with Fully Maxed after a win in the Longreach Digger's Cup 24/04/2021 - courtesy RLR Photography.)