Episode 419: Paul Shailer

This is an interesting chat with a 43 year old from Foxton on New Zealand’s north island who’s been around thoroughbreds all his life. He started life as an apprentice jockey under the tutelage of Kevin Gray, a man who could be likened to the late Theo Green as a master tutor of apprentices. Paul begins by talking about his good fortune in securing boxes at Port Macquarie racecourse where his solo training career began eighteen months ago. He talks of his current team and the availability of beach facilities at the popular north coast location. Paul says nowhere is too far to travel if the right horse comes along. The former jockey is counting the minutes to the arrival of the twin sons he and partner Michelle are expecting.  He looks back on the barrier trial he contested as a thirteen year old in NZ. Paul has always thanked his lucky stars that he gained a start with the legendary horseman Kevin Gray. he remembers Gray’s private training property at Patea near Waverley in the Taranaki district. He talks of the wonderful filly Gray brought to Australia to win the Oaks at Randwick in 2009. He says his old boss is still training in his mid 80’s. Paul looks back on his brief professional riding career on the flat, and a fleeting experiment over the jumps. He talks of Chris Waller’s early education with renowned trainer Paddy Busuttin at Foxton. Paul recalls Waller’s successful stint in Sydney with a mare called Party Belle. He confirms that he and Stephanie Waller are first cousins. He recalls a four year stint as a work rider for Chris Waller at Rosehill, which led him to later roles as foreman and assistant trainer.  The Port Macquarie trainer looks back on his return to NZ and a successful training partnership with his brother Kris. Paul talks of the surprise invitation he received from Chris Waller to supervise the operation of a new Gold Coast stable. He talks of a few special horses he got to look after during his time on the Gold Coast. Paul talks openly about his much publicised split with Chris Waller following media reports about a staff party which took place after Shaqero’s Magic Millions win. He says he felt obliged to resign in the wake of ongoing media attention. Paul acknowledges the support of some high profile Queensland owners who rallied to get him started as a trainer in his own right. He talks of the time required to get a commercial training venture on its feet. Paul endorses the good results he’s having with Pryde’s EasiFeed products. He talks of the jockeys he’s most admired in Australia and New Zealand. Paul makes special mention of a couple of horses on his current team