Episode 588: Brett Dodson - Coffs Harbour trainer whose love of racing was sparked by radio and TV broadcasts and famous 1980’s magazines.

With rarely more than 15 horses in work Brett has posted a creditable 392 wins - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Few trainers have had a busier week than Brett Dodson. He left Coffs Harbour on Thursday July 9th with his bonny mare Petticoat who was to start in a BM78 at Randwick two days later. It was a case of so near but yet so far as Petticoat went down by a whisker to Zouripper. As soon as Petticoat was ready to travel Brett embarked on the arduous journey back to Coffs.

He had good reason to feel a little the worse for wear by the time he arrived at the Grafton track on Sunday with Miss Midas Touch for the 1400m maiden. Despite copping a hefty bump at the 300m, the mare grabbed the lead for a few strides before finishing third to You Are Mind and Occupation. No wins, but good runs by both Petticoat and Miss Midas Touch.

Brett Dodson rarely has more than a dozen horses in work and is prepared to take them wherever they have the best chance of earning prize money. Tamworth born Dodson became “hooked” on racing in his early teens and resolved from the outset to seek a future in the industry.

He recorded 13 wins and 30 placings as a professional jockey before increasing weight halted his progress. He switched immediately to the picnic circuit where he enjoyed success for two full seasons. Brett had a trainer’s licence by age 18 and has put it to good use over more than three decades. He begins by talking about the long road trip to Sydney with Petticoat and the reliable mare’s gutsy performance in Saturday’s Keiran Moore BM78 at Randwick.

The trainer says he had to shrug off fatigue to saddle Miss Midas Touch at Grafton twenty four hours later.

Brett outlines the backstory of his promising five year old My Mum’s Toyboy. He profiles the gelding’s pedigree and talks of the success he’s enjoyed with others out of the same mare.

He says there wasn’t a trace of racing in his family background.

Brett confirms his passion for racing was initially generated by TV and radio coverage. He later became a subscriber to two famous monthly magazines.

He talks of a friendship with a former prominent Sydney jockey who gifted him one of his old saddles.

Brett says it all started when he visited local trainer Terry Wicks to seek advice on how best to gain an apprenticeship. He was in for a very pleasant surprise.

He clearly remembers his first race ride and his first trip to the winner’s circle.

Brett says soaring weight quickly terminated any suggestion of a long term career as a professional jockey.

He looks back on two happy seasons as an amateur rider.

The Coffs Harbour horseman remembers his first training win with a horse purchased cheaply from another stable.

He looks back on an invaluable learning experience with talented trainer Tim Martin.

Brett talks about his stint as private trainer for owner/breeder Andrew Pratten who had his horses based at Inverell. He later encouraged Andrew to consider moving his horses to the balmier climate at Coffs Harbour.

He pays tribute to the two horses who provided him with black type success.

The trainer acknowledges a few talented horses to help him along the way and gives a shoutout to a promising rising three year old he has in his care.

Brett shares the story of the amazing business deal he was able to strike with Hong Kong agents just on two years ago.

He talks of his ongoing friendship with prominent Brisbane jockey Kyle Wilson Taylor.

This is a nice chat with a bush trainer who hasn’t regretted a single day spent in the racing industry.

Swift Charm was strong to the line to win a TAB Hwy at Rosehill 18/01/2025 for Brett and apprentice Maddy Owen - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

One of two TAB Hwy wins for Petticoat. This one was at Randwick last Melbourne Cup day. Jockey was Anna Roper - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Here’s a blast from the past! One of Brett’s favourites Frisco Agogo (Dale Spriggs) wins a 3yo fillies race at Canterbury 28/04/2004. The genuine mare won seven races and recorded an amazing 22 placings - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

One of 9 country wins for a Dodson favourite Full Press - Armidale 13/04/2021 with Matthew Bennett riding - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Another one from Brett’s riding days - One of two Tamworth wins on Feasible.

Magic moment! Apprentice B. Dodson returns on his very first winner Fire Brigade at Tamworth.