Trainer Andrew Cameron hopes relocation will reap rewards

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Andrew Cameron is hoping a change of environment could reap rewards for his stable after relocating to Maryborough in the state’s South East.

Cameron formerly trained for 11 years at Bowen in the state’s north before moving to trainer Leigh Wanless’ stables in Maryborough.

The native Kiwi heads back north to Rockhampton on Friday and will saddle up his sole runner, Battle, in the Class 3 Plate over 1300 metres.

He also had planned to start So You Dream in the Open Handicap over 1100 metres before the race was scrapped due to insufficient acceptors.

Cameron trained 147 winners in his time at Bowen, after driving trucks for a living at the Gold Coast when he first arrived in Australia, following the closure of his New Zealand stables.

He got the bug back to resume training following a road trip around the country and decided to stay at Bowen, where he’s had free reign to train at the racecourse.

Bowen was an ideal set-up, within easy driving to major provincial centres like Mackay and Townsville.

However, Cameron’s decision to move to Maryborough has come as a surprise to many.

“I trained for 11 years at Bowen but through circumstances I decided to relocate,” Cameron said.

“I’m based about five kilometres south of Maryborough and I’m stabled with Leigh Wanless and it’s a beautiful set-up.

“The horses have thrived in the cooler climate here.”

Battle has only won three of his 57 starts and is coming off a first-up seventh at Bundaberg on January 28 but Cameron believes he may need a longer trip.

“He had his first-up run at Bundaberg and came from eight lengths last,” he said.

“He may need one more run as he doesn’t fire until he stretches out to 1600 metres.

“He hit the line well last start but this may be a shade short.”

Cameron thinks So You Dream would have been competitive if he was to face the starter on Friday. 

“He worked really well on Tuesday morning,” he said.

“He has never raced at Rocky before as I used to target races at Townsville and Mackay.

“He usually struggles first-up but you never know what he might have done.”