Episode 293: John Shelton

It’s always good to head out of town for a podcast chat and this week we go to Grafton to catch up with John Shelton. A multiple premiership winner in northern NSW, John made his mark on the big stage when he prepared Belflyer to win the inaugural Kosciuszko. John talks of his concerns on the day when the track was classified a Heavy 10. The Grafton trainer talks of the immediate impact of the occasion and the many emotions he experienced. He talks of his association with winning jockey Adam Hyeronimus who’d been apprenticed to him in Grafton. The trainer talks of Belflyer’s early history and the circumstances that brought the gelding to his Grafton stables. John talks of the communication between connections and the slotholders who were responsible for Belflyer making the Kosciuszko field. Shelton talks of his riding days in Glen Innes and the two trainers who got him up and running. One of those trainers prepared Tiny’s Finito who won an amazing 40 races. John explains his reason for moving to Grafton as a full time trackwork rider, and his association with an owner who would have a tremendous influence on his future. He remembers his association with a future dual Gr 1 winner. John pays tribute to several good horses who helped shape his destiny and the talented apprentices he’s had the pleasure to tutor.   The trainer talks about a former professional golfer who has become a staunch friend and a huge help in the day to day running of the stables. John pointers a couple of horses in his stable currently that may pay to follow. He concludes by acknowledging the enormous stimulus to country racing generated by increased prize money and the introduction of city races for country trained horses.