Morrison making his mark in training ranks

By Glenn Davis

Beaudesert trainer Michael Morrison has come a long way in a short time since he gained his first job in the racing industry mucking out stables for the late Pat Duff.

The 39-year-old Morrison was working for the Commonwealth Bank at Sandgate, on Brisbane’s northside, when he got to know a number of trainers and jockeys from Deagon where Duff was based.

“I was working in the bank when quite a few trainers and jockeys would come in to do their banking,” Morrison said.

“I was always interested in racing and one day I was told there was a job available at Pat Duff’s stable.

“It was only mucking out his stables, but I’d go every day before I went to the bank to work and it gave me good exposure.

“I stayed with Pat for about 12 months before I moved to Darren Bell when he was training at Deagon.”

Morrison also did a two-year internship with Godolphin and once worked with Glenlogan Park stud.

He started training in the 2021-22 season after working as racing manager for Gold Coast trainer Michael Costa before he went to Dubai.

“I started off training at the Gold Coast and took over the stables of Bryan Guy when he retired,” Morrison said.

“His stables were sold to developers and were only available for a short time.

“When the developers were ready to move in there was no other stables available at the Gold Coast so I moved to Beaudesert 18 months ago.

“I have 20 boxes at Beaudesert with a water walker and a pool and I’m only five minutes from the track.”

Morrison admits his short time training has had its ups and downs, but he’s delighted with his recent progress.

“My last three months have been very positive and I’ve got some nice horses coming through,” he said.

“Since I moved to Beaudesert I’ve had 17 winners in the past 12 months.”

Morrison will head to Doomben on Wednesday with Smart Action in the Class 5 Handicap over 1350 metres and Down Under Stunnah in the Class 1 Handicap over 1650 metres.

He has a good opinion of Smart Action and has pencilled in next month’s Murwillumbah Cup as a target.

“His target is the Murwillumbah Cup third-up,” Morrison said.

“If he can win the Cup, he’ll qualify for the Big Dance at Randwick in November.

“In my first year of training I tried to qualify The Ritz for the Big Dance, but he was just beaten in the Coffs Harbour Cup and only qualified for the Little Dance.

“Smart Action is going well but he may need the run first-up.

“He’s trialled well so he should find the line well but there’s more improvement to come.”