Stuart Kendrick is on a roll as the season draws to a close - courtesy Trackside Photography.
Good to catch up with successful Queensland trainer Stuart Kendrick who made a life changing move from Mackay to the Sunny Coast in 2013. He currently has a 60 strong team.
Stuart talks of the benefits of a 40 acre farm close to town where he’s able to give his horses a break from stable life. It’s something he always wanted to do.
He talks of the involvement of family. Sons Nathan and Bayley are involved in the business. Daughter Paige has other interests. Stuart’s wife Trudy plays a major role.
Stuart talks of Eric The Eel recently sold to Hong Kong. He knew he was setting the bar high in bringing him to Sydney for the Australian Derby, but was immensely proud of his effort.
The trainer takes us back to his early days in Mackay when he worked in a business broking firm. The owner of that company got him started in racing.
Stuart remembers his first winner - a horse purchased from NSW.
He talks of his first move South when he was able to acquire stables at Eagle Farm. He stayed for ten years with plenty of success, but was lured back to Northern Queensland when QTIS (Queensland Thoroughbred Incentive Scheme) was introduced. The prize money on offer was spread around several northern tracks.
Stuart explains that the constant grind of travel up and down the vast Queensland coast eventually wore him down.
He talks of the precocious filly who cost $17,000 and won $688,000. Doubtfilly’s fourth placing in a Golden Slipper convinced Stuart he could compete as a trainer at a higher level.
Stuart highlights a string of handy horses he’s had through his hands since moving to the Sunny Coast.
Forty nine year old Kendrick talks of the jockeys with whom he’s had success over the years.
(Banner image - Tambo’s Mate looked Stradbroke bound when he won the Gr 3 BTC Sprint from Deep Image. He went amiss before the big one - courtesy Trackside Photography.)
A great shot from Grant Peters as Eric The Eel gets the better of Mr Garcia at Doomben - courtesy Trackside.
Eric The Eel stormed home to beat Mr Garcia in this 2200m race at Doomben before heading to Sydney for the Derby - courtesy Trackside Photography.