Michael Morrison eager for success with Gold Coast racing stable

A former bank worker turned rising Queensland racing trainer says he’s learning some “harsh early lessons” while building momentum in running his new stable.

Gold Coast racing trainer Michael Morrison.

Rising South East Queensland racing trainer Michael Morrison is eager to get his first full racing season under his belt as he faces the challenges of running his new Gold Coast stable.

The 37-year-old, who first stumbled across the industry as a punter while working at the Commonwealth Bank, was later involved for 12 years before launching his stable in April 2022.

He said his journey to becoming a trainer had been an eventful one.

“I had no horse background growing up, I was working at the bank in Sandgate where a few trainers would come in and I had a mate who was a punter so became interested that way and bought a horse later on,” he said.

“I caught the racing bug from there and wanted some hands on experience so started cleaning out boxes for Pat Duff, then went across to Darren Bell where I learnt a lot and then went through the now Godolphin Flying Start program.

“After that and since I had such a short build up into the industry I felt I needed some more experience so I went and worked at Glenlogan Park for four years and then joined Michael Costa when he was setting up.

“I felt he was ambitious like I was and I wanted to help somebody climb to the top rather than go to one of the more established stables and join their system.”

Michael Morrison takes Perfect Mission for a walk near her Bundall stables in February 2022. Picture Glenn Hampson

Morrison said the opportunity to launch his own stable, following Costa’s move to Dubai to train for Sheikh Ahmed Rashid Al Maktoum, was too good to pass up.

“I started with around seven horses and have about 20 now but I feel like I’m only travelling at a fair level or a pass mark at best,” he said.

“I’ve learnt some harsh lessons early on and think the biggest would be to trust my first instinct a lot more.

“I’m always fairly positive and wanting to take on a challenge but sometimes it’s better to have that patience and plan for the long game.”

Morrison, who as of February 7 had recorded 12 winners and 18 placings from 95 starts, said he hoped to reach 30 winners by the end of the 2022/23 season.

He said his leading hopes for the coming months were The Ritz, Olympic Class and maiden runner Dragon Song.

Originally published as Michael Morrison eager for success with Gold Coast racing stable