Rockhampton's Shawn Geritz talking with spirit

By Jordan Gerrans

Central Queensland’s Shawn Geritz says preparing his first victory as a trainer on Saturday at Callaghan Park has helped prove to him himself that his methods are working. 

The hobby trainer just has the one galloper in work with his stable star Spirit Talker landing the prize in the Maiden Handicap over 1400 metres to open proceedings on Saturday's TAB card.

Geritz worked under the late Allen Albert in his early days in the industry before eventually taking out his own training ticket back in early 2019.

He has taken five different horses to the races under his racing banner over the last six or so year with Spirit Talker finally breaking through for the 57-year-old. 

It was an extra special victory for the hobby trainer as he is the sole owner of Spirit Talker.

“I was happy the horse won, it was great to break that milestone,” Geritz said.

“I proved to myself that I might have a clue with what I am doing.”

Ridden by local hoop Tasha Chambers, Spirit Talker travelled on the pace before the home turn.

He looked to have come to an end of his run halfway up the long Rockhampton straight. 

But, the four-year-old chestnut gelding had other plans and kicked strongly in the concluding stages to score by almost a length at his third career start. 

“He travelled pretty well,” Geritz said.

“He had a bit of an upset during the week, during his training, as he had three days off. He put in a tough little run, I thought, anyway.

“He has slowly gotten better with every run I have had with him.”

Central Queensland broadcaster Russell Leonard noted Spirit Talker’s tough performance on Saturday. 

“It looked beaten Spirit Talker but it regained the lead,” the local caller said.

“Spirit Talker was clearly headed at the 200 metre mark but he has been able to rally back on the inside under the urgings of Tasha Chambers.

“He pulled away in the end.”

Geritz picked up the son of Spieth for just $5,000 from a spelling property in Central Queensland. 

Rockhampton has a Class 1 Handicap over 1200 metres on the program for their big Cup meeting early next month with Geritz having his eyes on the race for Spirit Talker’s upcoming assignment. 

Following that run, the galloper is likely to head for a break as his preparation dates back to a trial in the middle of April. 

The late Albert, who was described as one of Central Queensland’s great racing characters when he passed away in May of 2023, was a mentor of Geritz’s.

In more recent times, fellow ‘Rocky’ trainers such as Ricky Vale and Alan Jones have also aided his development as a conditioner, regularly providing advice and help. 

“I have been with horses since I was a kid, we had stables when I was a young fella,” Geritz said.

“We always had horses. I was with Allen for quite a number of years, just strapping for him as an interest thing.

“Allen had his fair share of winners in the local area and out west.

“I was keen to buy one and have a crack myself, my son gives me a hand with the horse, as well.”