Episode 589: John Sadler - Few Australian horsemen have had a more diverse career within the training sphere.
John in the Flemington enclosure after a win by Tarvue 10/01/2026. The trainer has high hopes for the mare in her upcoming preparation - courtesy Racing Photos.
John Sadler’s coming up 72 next birthday and can look back on a fascinating career. He’s possibly more content currently than he’s ever been, working a team of just thirty horses at the widely lauded Pakenham training centre. Half the team are pre-trainers for good friends, the other half racehorses owned by valued clients old and new. It hasn’t been all beer and skittles for the Terang born trainer with recurring bouts of depression and one unfortunate run in with a senior steward during the infamous Aquanita Racing scandal that came to light in 2017. That misdemeanour cost John six weeks on the sidelines. You’ll hear his side of the story on the upcoming podcast. John begins by acknowledging the merits of the state of the art Pakenham training precinct.
He talks about his team of thirty horses and the pre-training support given him by fellow trainers.
The veteran horseman talks of life on the farm at Terang in the 1950’s.
John talks of Terang’s history in both thoroughbred and harness racing.
He pays tribute to his remarkable parents Lindsay and Mary. His father died in 1993 at 95 years of age. His mother stayed around for much longer.
John remembers friendships formed in schooldays that would introduce him to the racing game.
He talks of the modest start he made as a trainer on the small property he’d purchased at Colac.
John reflects on his very first win as a trainer and the unforgettable thrill of his maiden metropolitan win.
You’ll enjoy the trainer’s reminiscences about the ageless Pressman’s Choice and the betting plunge he landed with the horse in the 1991 Hamilton Cup. Few knew what dire financial straits he was in at the time.
John fondly remembers his very first Gr 1 win with Jolly Old Mac.
The trainer acknowledges the talents of Kenvain and Lady Jakeo, a star two year old filly of the early 90’s.
He hasn’t forgotten the surprise phone call from jockey Greg Hall which led to an exciting overseas training stint.
On returning to Melbourne after his 4 year Dubai experience, John received an unexpected offer from leviathan owner Lloyd Williams. He became private trainer for Williams from Flemington to begin with, and later from the owner’s lavish Macedon Lodge training operation.
John has one small regret about the Macedon Lodge experience revolving around Melbourne Cup winner Efficient.
When his arrangement with Macedon Lodge ran its course, John opted to team up with young trainer Troy Corstens at Flemington under the Malua Racing banner. The four year partnership was both successful and harmonious.
John relates the amazing story of a new Swedish owner and the acquisition of Linton, a horse he knew well from the Macedon Lodge days. A Gr 1 success would follow.
He was more than happy to talk about his recurring battles with depression. He was able to bounce back from several low periods. Today, with the right advice and continued treatment he’s on top of the problem.
John looks back on the infamous Aquanita Racing scandal which resulted in multiple disqualifications. His horses were stabled in the same barn which would later bring him unwanted “fall-out”. It all came to a head when a senior steward scratched one of John’s horses from a Gr 3 race. His subsequent outburst resulted in a six week suspension.
He talks of two marriages and seven children, two of whom are heavily involved in racing - Tom as a jockey and trainer, Edward as race caller and TV presenter.
We conclude the podcast by pressuring John to nominate a horse or two from his current team likely to visit the winner’s circle in the near future. He suggests two mares who are already multiple winners, but far from finished yet.
An enjoyable chat with one of Victoria’s most respected horsemen. John Sadler tells it as it is.
Daniel Stackhouse drives Merrigold to the line to win the Noel Rundle Hcp at Caulfield 04/04/2026 - courtesy Racing Photos.
John with consistent mare Merrigold after her Caulfield win in April - courtesy Racing Photos.
John with talented apprentice Luke Cartwright after Tarvue’s win at Flemington 14/02/2026 - courtesy Racing Photos.
John contributed largely to the training of Efficient leading up to his 2007 Melbourne Cup win. He was disappointed to be left out of the credits - courtesy Racing Photos.
The commencement of the new racing season on August 1 will herald in John Sadler’s 49th year as a professional trainer - courtesy Racing Photos.