I’m not sure that we’ve ever had a dual winner of the Pryde’s monthly award for country trainers, but December results have changed all of that. An impressive eight winners including three doubles for the month gives Ballina’s Stephen Lee his second honour in just under twelve months.
The 63 year old got away to a flyer on December 1st when Caracoron (Luke Rolls) scored at Grafton. On Dec 7th he took The Astronomer to the Gold Coast to win a BM78 with Courtney Bellamy in the saddle. Three days later Stephen landed a hometrack double with Jive Turkey and Cosmic Fortune, both ridden by Jai Williams. The trainer continued the momentum with another double at Lismore on Dec 20th - Caracoron (Siena Grima) and Serenade The Cat (Leah Martyn). His third double for the month came up at Ballina on Boxing Day with Back On De Quo (Kirk Matheson) and Harriet (Jackson Murphy).
Caracoron (Siena Grima) gives Steve one leg of his winning double at Lismore 20/12/2024 - courtesy Trackside Photography.
Stephen, who began his Ballina operation more than thirty years ago alternates his horses between a large on-course barn and a sixty acre property out of town. Most of his trackwork is carried out on a pristine stretch of beach. He gives son Jordan (26) much of the credit for the stable’s recent winning streak. “Jordan virtually runs the on-course barn and makes the call when he reckons a horse is needing a few days on the property,” said Stephen. “He’s already had a few placings as a trainer in his own right and will open his account any time now. He’s well on the way to making a very good trainer in his own right.”
Nature's racecourse! South Ballina beach where the Lee horses get to stretch their legs.
Asked to recommend one or two stable runners for punters to follow he came up with The Astronomer and Caprice De Dieux (Fr). “The Astronomer has won his last three and is a much improved horse,” said the trainer. “He’s won six to date including two at Doomben and should add to his record going forward. Caprice De Dieux is an imported stayer who has a Rosehill placing to his credit last June. We’re going to have a crack at the Ballina Cup with him in the middle of this month. We’ll look at heading back to town after that.”
Stephen and Matt McGillivray after Anton En Avant's win in the Gr. 3 Chairman's Hcp at Doomben 2018 - courtesy Trackside Photography.
Stephen Lee’s attention to detail and good horse management have seen him post more than 830 winners in a career embracing just over three decades. His creditable effort in December will see twelve complimentary bags of Pryde’s EasiPerformance land in his feed room in the near future.
Stephen (R) with daughter Maddison and son Jordan after a Casino Cup win with See It Thru 2020 - courtesy Trackside Photography.
(Banner image - Jive Turkey (Jai Williams) was one of Stephen Lee's two winners at Ballina 10/12/2024 - courtesy Trackside Photography.)
