Unstable relations as feud involving trainers Tony Gollan and Rob Heathcote shows no sign of abating

THE icy feud between Brisbane’s two top thoroughbred trainers will be spotlighted in a stewards’ inquiry on Tuesday.

Boxing on: Brisbane trainers Robert Heathcote (left) and Tony Gollan at a promotional fight two years ago. Picture: Darren England

THE icy feud between Brisbane’s two top thoroughbred trainers will be spotlighted in a stewards’ inquiry on Tuesday.

Racing Queensland’s chief steward Allan Reardon on Tuesday will investigate the actions of Brisbane’s leading trainer Tony Gollan after a complaint made by training rival Rob Heathcote.

Heathcote, trainer of superstar galloper Buffering, alleges a member of his staff was abused verbally by Gollan in a stable dispute involving a barking dog last Sunday.

Heathcote and Gollan have adjacent stables at Eagle Farm but the two biggest names of Queensland racing have a frosty relationship and rarely speak.

“We received an email from Mr Heathcote who made a complaint against Mr Gollan, regarding an alleged incident at the stables,’’ Reardon said.

“Stewards have acted to convene a hearing as quickly as possible. We understand there will be witnesses called on both sides.’’

Heathcote and Gollan once got on fine, even coming together in 2014 for a friendly boxing match to help promote that year’s Winter Racing Carnival. However, their relationship has since soured.

Rob Heathcote with the horse that has made him a household name in Queensland, the mighty Buffering. Picture: Darren England

Heathcote was once the undisputed top dog in the Brisbane training ranks, winning five consecutive metropolitan training premierships from the 2008-9 season to 2012-13.

Heathcote has continued to enjoy stunning success with Buffering, however Gollan has won the last two Brisbane training premierships.

Gollan, who made his name with Spirit Of Boom and Temple Of Boom, enjoyed a record-breaking 2014-15 season where he bettered the late Bruce McLachlan’s longstanding record of 78 metropolitan winners.

And Gollan is currently on track for another record-smashing season, having 75 city winners so far.

Premier Queensland trainer Tony Gollan chats with jockey Jim Byrne post-race. Picture: Jono Searle

Originally published as Unstable relations as feud involving trainers Tony Gollan and Rob Heathcote shows no sign of abating