With just seven weeks remaining in the 2024/25 racing season, Andrew Dale is once again showing why he’s one of the most consistent and driven trainers in country racing.
Based at Wangaratta, Dale has notched 54 winners this season, placing him ninth on the National Country Trainer Premiership – an exceptional effort that sees him holding his own alongside elite names such as Hayes, Maher and Moody.
Dale’s 54 winners comes at a healthy strike rate of 13.5%, along with 89 placings and nearly $1 million in prize money.
His rise has been built on a foundation of planning, professionalism, and a hands-on understanding of his horses.
“We’ve now trained around 160 winners over the past three years and we’re hoping to add a few more before the season’s out,” Dale said.
“We’ve really been building over the past three years and I think the continual improvement comes down to being a better business, continuing to learn and our attention to detail is as good as it’s ever been.”
With his stable now matching last year’s record-breaking total, Dale is looking to his proven mudlarks – including Copperfield, Chairman’s Choice, Mojo Music, Sheila, Brenlyn’s Trooper and Bellman – to continue performing through the softer months.
Three Musketeers will also be tested on wet ground as the team searches for opportunities to extend its winning run.
“I definitely believe there are still a few winners to come,” Dale said.
“We’ve got some very capable wet trackers who can keep things ticking over.”
Dale said a major factor in his sustained success is the quality of facilities available at Wangaratta Turf Club.
“It’s no coincidence that Wangaratta trainers are going well – our facilities are second to none,” he said.
“We’ve got everything we could ask for and arguably race on the best country track in Victoria, thanks to Greg Brown and his team.
“We’re incredibly lucky here.”
And Dale isn’t alone in flying the flag for Wangaratta.
Ben Brisbourne, who currently sits sixth in the national standings with 61 winners, while Craig Weeding has already chalked up 43, putting him 20th in the country.
Together, the Wangaratta trio have contributed 157 winners, accounting for over 13% of the top 20 trainers’ total of 1,201.
It’s a staggering figure for one regional training base and a clear sign that Wangaratta has some of the best facilities in country racing.
See the full standings here: www.racenet.com.au/premierships/trainer/country
Follow ADR’s progress at www.andrewdaleracing.com
PHOTO: Stablemates Mojo Music and Three Musketeers letting rip down the Wangaratta straight. Both gallopers will be looking to add more wins to the tally through winter.
