The allure of the punt was the initial spark that ignited Matthew Dale’s passion for the racing world. His early exposure to the track, accompanying his maternal grandparents, Allan and Angela Doyle, to Canberra and Queanbeyan race meetings, laid the foundation for his future career. A pivotal moment arrived at a young age when a successful trifecta yielded a $30.00 return, cementing his fascination with both betting and the inherent excitement of horse racing. “My love of a bet was soon complimented by the excitement of racing, and my fate was sealed at age six,” Dale recalls.
Initially, Dale harbored ambitions of becoming a jockey, a dream that began to take shape during his pony riding days. However, a series of growth spurts ultimately put an end to these aspirations, redirecting his path within the equine industry.
His journey then led him to the University of Sydney’s Orange campus, where he pursued and earned a degree in Equine Business Management. It was during this period that he forged a connection with local trainer Johnno Johnson, who soon provided the eighteen-year-old with opportunities to ride trackwork. This hands-on experience further fueled his dedication to the sport.
Seeking to broaden his knowledge base, Dale returned to Sydney to gain invaluable experience under the tutelage of prominent trainers Gai Waterhouse and John O’Shea. O’Shea has often spoken highly of Dale’s evident professionalism from his earliest days in the industry, highlighting his exceptional work ethic and commitment.
At just twenty years old, Dale and his friend Rodney Thompson made a significant investment, purchasing a tried horse named Jumping Jack Flash for $1250 at an Inglis Mixed Sale. Their early success with the horse was notable, with Jumping Jack Flash securing a C4 victory at Queanbeyan shortly after, followed by a restricted win at Warwick Farm. Their final win with the gelding was the Adelong Cup at Gundagai, a testament to the effective training for such a modest initial investment.
“Before long I had four or five horses in work, but I was still a long way off solvent,” Dale admitted, reflecting on the early days of his training career. “I owned only three decent feed bins, and had to borrow two buckets out of Mum’s laundry, which doubled as feed bins.” This anecdote underscores the resourcefulness and determination required to establish a foothold in the competitive racing landscape.
A significant turning point in Dale’s career came with his first genuine client, Michael Thomas, who would later achieve prominence as the owner of the highly successful racehorse Happy Clapper, a multiple Group 1 winner with over $6.4 million in prize money. Thomas entrusted Dale with a yearling colt by Bite The Bullet out of Winifred’s Prayer, a decision that led to a very happy ending for both.
Under the name Gunfire Messiah, the colt embarked on a successful racing career, winning his first two starts at Forbes and Narromine, followed by a commanding three-year-old victory on the Kensington track. He further impressed with a tenacious fifth-place finish in the Gloaming Stakes, competing against subsequent Group 1 winners such as Al Maher, Savabeel, and Outback Prince, finishing only 2.2 lengths behind the winner. Gunfire Messiah went on to win three more races for Dale before being transferred to trainer Peter Morgan in Victoria. Notably, Dale is currently training a two-year-old half-brother to Happy Clapper for Michael Thomas, continuing a successful partnership.
Over the past decade, Matthew Dale has consistently produced a steady stream of winners. Horses such as Rocket Commander and Lebrachaun proved to be valuable winners for the stable. Additionally, Clipper, Hay Now, Hermosa Beach, Super Star Bob, Bitburg, Shadow Affair, Thelittleracketeer, Mossman Gorge, and Royal Jackpot all achieved success in TAB Highways races. Jackpot Queen, in particular, had an outstanding career, winning races at prestigious venues including Randwick, Caulfield, and Flemington, as well as capturing the Wellington Boot in 2011.
However, the horse that truly propelled Matthew Dale into the racing spotlight in recent times is the exceptionally talented Fell Swoop. Winner of nine races and amassing over $1.8 million in prize money, Fell Swoop provided his connections with an unforgettable experience by making the field for The Everest. Although he finished at the tail of the field in that prestigious race, being the end of his preparation, the connection to such a high-profile event has undoubtedly provided his owners with cherished memories and “dinner party material for years to come.” This success story highlights Dale’s ability to identify, train, and develop top-tier racing talent.
