Queensland lifestyle suiting Jim Mason

By Glenn Davis

It’s been nearly two years since Caulfield Cup-winning trainer Jim Mason relocated to the Sunshine Coast and he’s relishing the Queensland lifestyle.

Since making the move north, he is enjoying life in the Sunshine State as a private trainer for prominent owner-breeder Mike Sherrin.

Mason was only 32 when won the 1996 Caulfield Cup with Arctic Scent and has around 16 horses in work at Sherrin's private training facility.

“I’m enjoying every moment in Queensland and Mike’s a fantastic bloke to work for,” said 60-year-old Mason.

“There’s always pressure for any trainer and I really like the weather here and I don’t miss Melbourne.”

Since settling on the Sunshine Coast, Mason didn’t take long before showing he had lost none of his old touch when Street Chase won the Listed Pierata Plate at Doomben in November, 2024.

He will head to Doomben on Wednesday and is hopeful of snaring another win or two from his three starters.

He has consistent mare Sheraquay lining up in the Benchmark 65 Handicap as well as Toro Chase (QTIS 3YO) and Bull Rayner (QTIS 2YO Maiden Plate).]

Mason expects all three will be competitive and has singled out Sheraquay and Bull Rayner as the pick of his trio.

Sheraquay has had a win and three placings from her past four starts including a last start third to the Tony Gollan-trained State Opera in a 1350-metre Class 2 on a heavy track at Doomben on May 27.

“She’s a very good mare and I’ve never had a horse who has been so consistent,” Mason said.

“I thought she could win last start but it was a bottomless track which didn’t suit her.”

Mason believed Bull Rayner, who was bred by Sherrin, has a bright future.

“He’s a nice horse who has been trialling and working well,” he said.

“He’s a massive horse and I expect him to run well and be competitive but I think he’ll be better over 1400 metres.”

Mason also won’t be surprised if Toro Chase improves after beating only one home behind the Chris Waller-trained Estremo in last month’s Group 3 Fred Best Classic at Eagle Farm.

“Toro Chase won well at the Sunshine Coast but I’m still scratching my head what went wrong last time,” he said.