Episode 520: Matthew Hoysted

The famous Hoysted racing dynasty had its origins in Victoria early in the twentieth century and has produced generations of successful horse trainers. The most celebrated was Fred Hoysted who won 17 Melbourne premierships from his Mentone base. Like most of his predecessors 33 year old Matthew Hoysted began his journey in Wangaratta, before working under the wing of some top Melbourne horsemen. In 2014 he decided on a move to Queensland when a job came up with Tony Gollan after which he spent eight years in partnership with recently retired Steve O’Dea. Matt went solo just over a year ago, and is already making his presence felt in the Brisbane training ranks. He begins the podcast by talking about his on course stabling at Eagle Farm and the close proximity of his home. Matt talks about the success he enjoyed on Saturday March 15th- a quinella in the last race at Eagle Farm and a Gold Coast double which included a win with Hearts Are Better in the 3YO Jewel. He looks back on eighteen rewarding months with Tony Gollan whose star was rising rapidly. Matt says the offer he received from Steve O’Dea was too good to refuse. He spent four years as O’Dea’s assistant trainer before being promoted to training partner. He formed an association with Jamie Walter’s Proven Thoroughbreds during his time with Steve O’Dea and was delighted when Walter agreed to continue that support following O’Dea’s retirement. One of the best horses Hoysted got to co-train with O’Dea was Scallopini  who won 13 races and was placed 14 times. He acknowledges the talents of the genuine galloper. Matt says he and Steve O’Dea were usually on the same wavelength when it  came to planning the campaigns of horses in their care. He pays a fitting tribute to Uncommon James, the best horse he got to co-train with O’Dea. He looks back on the gelding’s Oakleigh Plate win in 2023 as an almost surreal experience.  Matt says he wasn’t surprised when Steve announced his retirement from the Brisbane training ranks. The young trainer looks back on early days with the O’Dea stable where he met the girl destined to become his wife and the mother of his two young daughters. He talks about Caitlin’s pride and joy Pickabee, a daughter of Jet Spur with whom she won five races. Coincidentally, Pickabee would become the dam of Uncommon James. Matt looks back on his formative years in Wangaratta and early tuition from his father Greg. He also spent some time with another training relative Roger Hoysted. He puts the spotlight on grandfather Ron (call me Mick) who trained a Gr 1 sprinter in the 1980’s. Another member of the clan to get a mention is Hal Hoysted winner of 25 premierships in north eastern Victoria. Matt relates the stories he’s heard from family members about Fred “Father” Hoysted, winner of 17 Melbourne premierships between 1933 and 1958.  He talks of the racing blood on the distaff side of his family. His mother Ronda is the daughter of John Hickmott and sister to Robert and Michael- all successful trainers.  Matt takes us back to the early years of his racing education and valuable time spent at Flemington and Macedon Lodge.  He talks of his association with some high profile horses during his time under the Lloyd Williams banner. He treasures the memory of five years with the late Michael Moroney at Flemington. Matt adds his personal tribute to the many already circulated for the great New Zealand born horseman. For punters listening to the podcast, Matt pointers a couple of promising horses currently in the stable. It’s a laid back chat with a young man who has the right pedigree and the right temperament to make it to the top in a very demanding profession.