Coetzee taking patient approach to new training career

By Glenn Davis

Jarred Coetzee is not rushing into his new training career and is hopeful his patience will reap dividends in the long term.

The 40-year-old has a small team of three in work at Eagle Farm but has deliberately taken time to build a larger team after working for leading Eagle Farm trainer Rob Heathcote for almost two years.

“I’ve only had my trainer’s licence for about six months so I’m only just getting going,” Coetzee said.

“I do all the work myself with only three horses so it’s a one-man band operation at the moment.

“I’m just getting going and started with a couple of horses by myself but I’ve now got a few more good clients.”

A nephew of former champion South African jockey Felix Coetzee, who won numerous Group 1s in Hong Kong, Jarred has a wealth of experience in the racing industry.

“I was a foreman and rode work for four or five years for Chris Waller and rode track work in Hong Kong,” Coetzee said.

“I also trained for about a year in China for the China Horse Club before I came to Australia.”

Coetzee moved to Queensland after a five-year stint with Ballarat trainer Henry Dwyer.

He will head to Gatton on Friday with Gas Brigade who tackles the Ratings Band 0-58 Handicap over 1400 metres.

Gas Brigade gave Coetzee his maiden winner with his first starter when he won a 1400-metre Maiden at the Sunshine Coast in March.

The son of Alabama Express has failed to fire at his subsequent five starts including his recent effort when fifth to the Greg Cornish-trained The Torque Factor at Ipswich on October 8.

Coetzee described Gas Brigade as an enigma and a frustration to train.

“He was my first winner after I paid $40,000 for him,” Coetzee said.

“It’s four weeks between runs and he’s been a frustrating horse. He shows a lot of promise in his track work but he’s just an enigma.

“I was disappointed with his last run even though I’ve known all along he’s a bit limited.

“I’m hoping he just didn’t handle the back-up after he ran at the Sunshine Coast six days and I’d like a wet track.”