Sutton’s journey into training began after arriving in Australia in 2015 from the United Kingdom, where his family has deep roots in the racing industry. His father, an owner and breeder, also rode as an amateur jockey. His uncle trains jumps horses, and his grandmother remains active as a breeder and owner, with a step-grandfather who served as a steward. “The opportunities in Australia are incredible, especially for younger people in racing,” Sutton said of his decision to first visit and then stay here. “There’s great prizemoney and plenty of support for emerging trainers.”
His early experience in Australia included two years with Chris Waller before an eight-year tenure with Leon and Troy Corstens, where he gained valuable insights into training at the highest level. He went out on his own just over a year ago, steadily growing both his team and his string of horses.
As an ex-track rider, Sutton’s approach to training is built on hands-on horsemanship and treating each horse as an individual.
His fiancée Raquel, who rides most of his track work, plays a pivotal role in the operation. His newly appointed assistant trainer, Jimmy Daly, brings additional expertise, having also come from a racing family in the UK.
With aspirations to be considered a top metropolitan stable and to have their horses running in the city in the best races throughout the carnivals, Sutton says he is fortunate enough to have some good success in town in our first 12 months.
“We’re all in the game to try and win the big races, so that’s the plan – to try and find the right horses and get good horses into the stable that can take you to those types of races.”
Feroce, Sutton’s stable star which ran second in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas, is preparing for a significant autumn campaign, with a key target being the Group 1 Howden Australian Guineas. Other exciting prospects include Band Of Brothers, recently acquired from David Moodie, and Detroit City, who impressed as a spring three-year-old in Listed company. Sutton’s recent acquisitions at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale, including two offspring of leading sire I Am Invincible, highlight his investment in premium bloodlines and future talent.
The stable had a competitive showing at Flemington on VRC Summer Fun Race Day, with Sword Of Legacy finishing a strong second in Race 2 and Brazen Lady placing fourth in Race 9. Both were ridden by Damian Lane.
“Starting from scratch, I’ve had to build relationships with owners and syndicators, and I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in us,” he said. “We’re growing at a nice pace, and having the Flemington base is a huge boost.”
