As a new racing season officially begins, we caught up with trainer Andrew Dale to take a look back at a successful 2023/24 season that saw Andrew Dale Racing take out the Wangaratta Turf Club’s Trainer’s Premiership.
How does It feel to win the Trainer’s Premiership?
“I’m really pleased for the whole team because everyone worked really hard,” Dale said.
“It’s been a competitive few years at Wangaratta with plenty of good trainers, last year we got close to winning the premiership but Ben Brisbourne was too good.
“To claim a second premiership in the five years we’ve been here (Wangaratta) is great and to reach 50 winners for the first time makes it even better.”
What were some of the key factors that contributed to your success this season?
“Obviously the hard work from staff and being prepared to travel to find suitable races,” Dale said.
“Also the attention to detail on the little things improved this year.
“We’re a process driven business, rather than focusing on achieving a certain amount of winners we focus on the little things like improving our knowledge of horses.
“Things like monitoring a horse’s optimum weight, managing dietary intake and also treating and managing little injuries so we can get horses back on the track as quick as possible.”
“I think that’s where we’ve improved a lot this year, we’ve spent more time on those little things.”
Can you highlight a few standout moments or victories from this season that were particularly memorable for you?
“One of the better wins was getting one straight away with Shooting For Stars,” Dale said.
“We had her as a yearling then sold her to Clarken and O’Shea over in South Australia but then to get her back and win straight away at Albury was really special.
“Another highlight is after a successful day when you get back from the races and might head to the pub for dinner and a few drinks with the staff – that’s why we do it.”
Which horse or horses performed exceptionally well and/or exceeded your expectations?
“A couple of obvious ones are More Importance, getting him back after a long layoff and winning two in a row with him was pleasing,” Dale said.
“The consistency and reemergence of Eamonn’s Memory was also satisfying.
“It’s just been good to go to most meetings and know you’re half a chance of pinching a win or two, that side of things was really enjoyable and makes getting up at 4am worth it.”
Did you face any challenges throughout the season?
“I think the challenges you face in this day and age is just the cost to compete,” Dale said.
“The financial costs to put a team on the park every week is the challenge, there’s always financial pressures so for us to be able to keep our head above water and meet the expectations of our owners is something we don’t take for granted.”
How important is the role of your team in achieving this success?
“The team is everything,” Dale said.
“It’s so important to have good staff, we’re lucky to have good staff and that includes our families, track riders and jockeys that we have a good association with.
“Having hard working people involved with the business makes the difference.”
Looking ahead to the next season, what goals or plans do you have to build on this year’s achievements?
“The big one for us is continuing to develop our farm to support the stable complex,” Dale said.
“Trainers across the country look for alternative methods and having a premise that allows us to do things like trail riding, or using arenas adds variety.
“We want to continue to develop that side of our business.”
How will you celebrate the season?
“That’s an obvious one, we’ll head to the Wangaratta Turf Club’s Trainers’ Awards night next Saturday,” Dale said.
“We’ve booked a couple of tables and will celebrate the night with family, staff and friends.”
