Hatch begins new chapter with Gollan camp

By Jordan Gerrans

Champion trainer Tony Gollan says Lindsay Hatch has been a valuable addition to his team as he works to expand his satellite stable at the Gold Coast.

Hatch has been a long-time trainer on the Darling Downs in the Sunshine State and has recently taken on a new role as Gollan’s assistant trainer at the Gold Coast.

Gollan’s main stable base is at Eagle Farm in Brisbane while he has around 40 in work at Aquis Park, with that number potentially expanding to 60 in the future.

The 62-year-old Hatch last took a horse to the races for his own racing stable in late March before transitioning into the new gig. 

Hatch and Queensland Hall of Fame trainer Gollan have been mates for almost three decades.

The multiple Group 1-winning mentor has pursued Hatch to take on a role within his stable in recent times and he was glad to finally seal the deal. 

“We've known each other for a very long time,” Gollan said.

“Him and his family, they're just terrific people. It's great to have him on board.

“I get to spend a morning a week at the moment down there with Lindsay at the Gold Coast. Lindsay's going to value-add to the stable.

“They're going to see my face down there, spending a lot more time over the coming years.”

A renowned horseman, Hatch worked for John Sadler and Troy Corstens in Victoria when Gollan first sent former star galloper Spirit Of Boom to race. 

He eventually made his way to the Darling Downs where he pre-trained horses for Gollan out of the Bahram training and spelling centre. 

Hatch also spent many years training his own team out of Clifford Park where he enjoyed considerable success.

He claimed a local feature triumph in the time-honoured Weetwood Handicap with Jadentom back in 2020.

Jadentom – who won 13 career races – was competitive in stakes races throughout her career.

Wanda Rox was another top galloper Hatch prepared at Toowoomba, as the mare also won 13 times from 27 attempts.

Wanda Rox has since been transferred into the stable of Gollan and will be back at the races soon.

Hatch is enjoying the new challenge working for Gollan at the Gold Coast.

“It's a great change and we're at that point in our lives where my wife and I will enjoy the Gold Coast, I feel,” Hatch said.

“Tony has always asked me to take on a role like this, but I wasn't ready. But, this time I'm ready.

“It's just the time of my life where we're happy to do this and it takes a lot of pressure off my own training now.

“It's just a matter of getting my head around the horses, getting to know the horses and running the show like Tony wants it run.

“Tony's good to work with. He's matured a lot over the years.

“Tony intends to be running a lot more horses at the Gold Coast and tapping in the Northern Rivers more so.

“So, we're looking forward to that with all the staff as he's got good staff.”

Brisbane’s leading conditioner says the opportunities available through the Gold Coast and the northern parts of New South Wales are attractive as his southern expansion develops.

“I really want to grow that stable and grow that part of our business,” Gollan said.

“We focus very heavily in Brisbane, that’s the bulk of our horses. But, the Gold Coast is a very important stable for us as a whole.”

Western Australian jockey Kristy Bennett has recently relocated to the Gold Coast to ride trackwork for the Gollan camp.

Hatch has made an immediate impression on the hoop.

“I love Lindsay,” Bennett said.

“He is already supporting me. I have only just started and he is looking out for me.

“He has been asking me about who my manager was for my rides and where I was going to ride every weekend. He is keen to help push me forwards.

“I can already tell that he is just full of knowledge and I'm happy with any guidance with me being new to the area."