Trainer Stephen Sutherland returns to where it all began

By Jordan Gerrans

It will be a long-time homecoming for well-travelled horseman Stephen Sutherland when he takes a galloper to Toowoomba’s Clifford Park on Saturday evening.

The 58-year-old has recently relocated back to the Sunshine State after a spell training in Tamworth.

The veteran industry participant returns to Queensland and follows his son – Corey – who is an apprentice rider under the guidance of revered Deagon conditioner Pat Duff.

Stephen is training out of Duff’s stables in Brisbane’s north.

It is Stephen's second stint preparing a team of horses in Queensland after he collected 15 or so winners when based in Toowoomba during 1985 and 1986.

He heads back to Toowoomba Turf Club on Saturday with recent stable acquisition Rudimentary, who is entered for the Class 1 Handicap over 1300 metres.

Stephen has already tasted success in his second stint training in Queensland with Jungle Fever getting the money at Ipswich on Saturday.

Jungle Fever grabbed the third win of his career in a Class 2 Handicap over 1200 metres with hoop Adin Thompson doing the steering.

“He went real good and he is a nice horse going forward,” Stephen said of Jungle Fever.

“He is no superstar but he is a nice horse. He ran home well at Kilcoy the start before which worked out well for the Ipswich run.

“The bookies did not think he could win that day at Ipswich but he got the job done.”

Stephen’s son Corey has been in the winner’s enclosure of late as well, piloting a victory at Warwick on Monday afternoon.

Still only a teenager and claiming three kilograms on the provincial circuit, Corey has 13 winners to his name so far.

Stephen has been able to book his son Corey to ride a few times in recent months following the northern move.

The Sutherland clan have been involved in racing for generations with Stephen’s father and grandfather both training before him.

Indentured to Hall of Fame trainer Duff, Corey also rides work for his old man most mornings around Deagon with his team of three in work.

Corey previously worked for Cody Morgan out of Tamworth in NSW but in the middle of last year moved north to Brisbane with Duff.

Stephen is a farrier by trade and has worked with gallopers Duff trained on several occasions throughout his life.

He suggested his son – who is keen to train himself once his riding career is finished - link up with the respected horseman.

“We have been great mates ever since,” Stephen said of Duff.

“He is nature’s gentleman. He is a very good man.”

Corey was working as a farrier with his father before he decided to pursue a career as a hoop.

Since relocating back to Queensland, Stephen has been back working as a farrier at city tracks, which is where he learnt his trade in his early days.

“It is all going pretty well at the moment,” Stephen said.

“We have bought a horse and everything so we will stay around for a while.

“We originally started here – I did my time in Brisbane - and my wife is from up here as well.”

Stephen originally hails from Grafton before spending 25 years at Ipswich and eventually moving on to Tamworth for 15 years.

He trained at Tamworth through 2023 before relocating back to Queensland.

Rudimentary will have his first start for his new stable after recently being moved on from the Toowoomba barn of Corey and Kylie Geran.

The son of All Too Hard is still a Class 1 galloper from 22 race day appearances.

He has placed on 10 occasions and has finished second three times in his last five starts.

Stephen says Rudimentary is enjoying his new surroundings at Deagon.

“I have only had him for a few weeks but he is a nice horse,” the trainer said.

“We got him online from the Gerans and for a Class 1 horse, he is nice. We will go to Toowoomba on Saturday night - if it's dry, we should be right.

“This is a nice race for him. He has thrived since he has been with me so far, he came to me in good order but he has just thrived again.”