Tommy Button launches new satellite stable in North Queensland

Caloundra-based racehorse trainer Tommy Button is plotting complete east coast dominance after establishing a new satellite stable in North Queensland. Read why here:

Sunshine Coast trainer Tommy Button is aiming for more state success after establishing a new satellite stable in Far North Queensland. Picture: Patrick Woods.

An ex-soldier who joined the Army after ‘growing out’ of his career as an apprentice jockey is setting his sights on complete east coast dominance with a new North Queensland stable.

Sunshine Coast-based trainer Tommy Button – who was a leading jockey in Brisbane before switching roles 11 years ago – took out the Rockhampton trainers’ premiership five times before relocating to Caloundra in 2019.

Two years later and the Iraq Veteran was ready to branch out with the launch of his Townsville satellite stable.

“The satellite stable in Townsville works in conjunction with our Caloundra base meaning we can send a few horses north to find the right race for them,” he said.

“It’s an easier class of races up north but it’s similar prize money to the Sunshine Coast which is good.

“We’re now one of the only stables now that are able to race from Cairns all the way to the Gold Coast.”

Current Sunshine Coast trainer Tommy Button started in the racing industry as an apprentice jockey in Brisbane. Picture: Patrick Woods

The 42-year-old said he currently had around 37 horses in work across the Queensland coastline.

Button, who began as an apprentice jockey aged 14, stepped away from the racing industry in 2002.

“I only rode for a few years before my weight and height got the better of me and I then joined the Army, did a tour of Iraq, before coming back and working in the mines,” he said.

“Even when I was working I always kept my hand in racing and as I got older I got more and more interested in becoming a trainer.

“I started training a few horses on the side which got pretty big pretty quick so I ended up halving my pay packet and doubling my workload to become a full-time trainer.”

Sunshine Coast trainer Tommy Button is aiming for more state success after establishing a new satellite stable in Far North Queensland. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Button moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2019 and said he enjoyed working alongside some of Queensland's leading trainers.

“It’s harder to win races here but I really enjoy it and it gives your horses the chance to compete on a larger stage,” he said.

“I obviously like to incorporate what I think will work best for my horses but there are some very good horsemen here and I think if you keep your eyes open you can take plenty out of what they’re doing.”

Originally published as Tommy Button launches new satellite stable in North Queensland