RACEHORSE TRAINING
Trent Yesberg's Training Philosophy
In my journey to become a professional racehorse trainer, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best harness racing stables in Australasia, including Greg & Nina Hope, Brent Lilley, John & Robert Dunn, Allan Tubbs, and Greg & Ross Sugars. These experiences provided me with invaluable insights and hands-on knowledge, helping me develop the skills necessary to succeed in the racing industry.
Throughout my time working with Standardbreds, I also had plenty of exposure to thoroughbreds, as they would occasionally come through the stables for rest and rehabilitation. My father bred both Standardbreds and thoroughbreds, so I grew up surrounded by horses of both codes, gaining early experience in their care and handling. Our social circle also included galloping trainers, providing me with even more exposure to the thoroughbred racing world.
Having observed and learned from some of the best in the business, I’ve been able to adapt and refine the racehorse training techniques that work best for us here at Ripple Creek. We are always looking to innovate, embracing new technologies and techniques that challenge the status quo. We believe there is always a more effective and efficient way to do things, and we constantly strive to improve every aspect of our training process.
At Ripple Creek, we are committed to adopting training methods supported by science, aiming to not only improve performance but also enhance the overall well-being and comfort of our horses. We understand that success in racing is built on a combination of effective training, proper care, and the right environment for our horses to thrive.
Quality facilities are crucial to our success. We have recently extended and improved our fast work track, and added a sawdust/sand jog track which we keep meticulously maintained. We also have a special connection to the beach, where we train our horses when a change of environment can benefit their mental and physical well-being.
Our racing stable typically has around 20 horses in work at any given time. This allows us to provide hands-on, individualized care for each horse, whether they are in work or spelling. Our goal is to create an environment where our horses can thrive, reach their full potential, and succeed on the racetrack.
Trent's first success as a licenced harness racing trainer came with Blue Blazer, an Auckland Reactor gelding which won at Addington and Timaru as a 3 year old in 2017. Blue Blazer went on to more success in Australia. That gave Trent momentum to broaden his ownership base, and it wasn't long before Airpark Flyer was winning for him and owner Graeme Harris. Airpark Flyer had a stellar 2019 season, taking out the Riverton, Westport and Waikouaiti Cups, and retiring with a record of 6 wins from 15 starts out of the Ripple Creek stable.
Trent finished the 2018/19 season, during which he obtained his Public Trainer licence, with 13 training wins and $111,273 in stakes.
In 2019/20 Adam Patron, Bushman and the trotter Never Mind all scored twice, and with seven individual winners the season ended for the stable with 10 wins and $76,698 in stakes. .
In the extended 2020/21 season the trotting mare Majestic Action was the star performer with four wins, while Kusanova picked up two. A total of 13 victories overall were complemented by 37 minor placings and $132,134 for the stable's most successful season so far.
The 2022 season kicked off with a double for Majestic Action in her swansong season before retiring to the broodmare paddock. 2022 ended for Trent with the thrill of training his first galloping winner - Allasera, his only galloper in work at the time, in a maiden race at Kurow. 14 wins meant Trent again had his most successful year yet on the track.
2023 began with a growing team of racehorses and some exciting younger prospects getting close to racing. IN the winner's circle the first part of the year was dominated by trotter Feel The Moment with a summer double, while winter was brightened up for the loyal owners of Uptown Funk who scored three times over a short period. To be continued ...
