Racing trainer Jack Bruce excited for Sydney mare’s Queensland debut

Former Bjorn Baker, Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher assistant Jack Bruce has stamped his foot on the Queensland racing scene and plans to continue with a newly acquired Sydney mare.

Racing trainer, Jack Bruce. Picture: Patrick Woods

Newly established racing trainer Jack Bruce has burst onto the Queensland racing scene in recent months and is showing no signs of slowing down.

The graduate of the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start program, began working at Windsor Park Stud Farm before spending 10 years learning the ropes under Bjorn Baker, Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher.

Bruce, 32, started his Deagon-based stable in May 2022 and has since recorded 14 winners and 19 placings from 56 starts.

His biggest victory to date came on September 24 with former Michael Costa-trained runner Axe breaking through to claim the Listed Weetwood Handicap (1200m) at Toowoomba.

“Going out on my own just felt like the right thing to do, there’s never a good time to start your own business but you’ve just got to take the bull by the horns and give it a red hot crack,” Bruce said.

“Things are going well, I’ve got a good team around me and I’ve been able to acquire some nice horses in the process of getting my systems in place.

“Tried horses I’ve had a lot of luck with and that’s been my initial focus and next year I’ll hopefully buy a small amount of yearlings to start the process from there.”

Axe ridden by Samantha Collett for Jack Bruce wins the 2022 Weetwood Handicap. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The New Zealand-born trainer had 24 horses and said he was keen to expand.

Bruce said he had two runners he was eager to see at the races.

“He (Axe) is the highest rated horse that I train so it’s been great to get a result with him so early on in the piece,” he said.

“I had him in the Sydney Stakes but I felt it was probably a bit rich for him so will keep him up in Brisbane and target the Magic Millions.

“Firstluv is a nice horse that trialled on Tuesday at the Sunshine Coast, she has come up from Sydney and Bjorn Baker and she’s owned by Cambridge Stud in New Zealand.

“She’s looking for dry tracks but has quite reasonable form in Sydney so she’s still a maiden but will line up in the coming month and will be very competitive.”