By Jordan Gerrans
Les Kelly is a man of few words at the best of times but those that work for him describe the Gold Coast trainer as a “fantastic human being”.
The experienced horseman does not usually have much to say but he has made the premiership his own on the Glitter Strip in recent years.
The Aquis Park-based trainer has just wrapped up his third premiership title over the past five campaigns, preparing 24 winners on his home track across 2021-22 to edge out the now departed Michael Costa.
And, Kelly now goes in search of black-type action on Friday at the Gold Coast when he sends out an old stable favourite, who just loves going around at the Bundall complex.
The barn has over the last year employed Singaporean jockey Troy See as a stable rider and the 33-year-old is a perfect person to ask about Kelly’s operation.
“I have worked for a number of trainers in my career but I would say Les is one of the easiest ones to ride for, but in saying that, he is demanding, as well,” See said.
“But, he has a soft side to him.
“He is really hard-working himself, as well.
“He is a great bloke to ride for and a fantastic human being, I feel fortunate to ride for him.”
While his barn has been the dominant team on the Gold Coast for the best part of the last decade, Kelly is not one to toot his own horn.
“To speak to Les, he is pretty quiet and unassuming,” Gold Coast Turf Club Racing Manager Ian Brown said.
“The horses he has always seem to go well and they always go well on the Gold Coast track.”
The Kelly stable took a hiatus between 2014 and 2017 from usual operations – not starting more than 150 horses in each of those three seasons – but they have been back to regular business since, with almost 300 starters in each campaign since.
“He has been a great supporter of the club over the years and it is fantastic to be able to celebrate his success,” Brown said.
“He has had a lot of handy horses over the time, a lot of good metropolitan horses as well.
“I know that when Les has won the premiership in previous years, they always support the awards ceremony and buy a few tables and have a good night out.”
With almost 30 gallopers in work in a stable that backs onto the Gold Coast’s equine swimming pool – where Kelly often takes his team of horses – he believes the size and location of his yard are perfect for his operation.
He puts the stable's success over the last five seasons to attention to detail and having diligent staff.
“It is an honour to do it, it is not only me, but also it is the staff that works here, as well,” Kelly said.
“Everybody has worked hard as we have not got a big team of horses.
“We have very experienced staff here; everybody is a good horse person that works here.
“It is about hard work and knowing your horses to be as hands on as possible, as I am here every morning and every night.
“It is basically making sure the horses are fit and ready to go when they go to the races.”
When See (pictured) was searching for his next career move, he turned to one of his most trusted mentors - the great “Enforcer” Mick Dittman.
The now retired champion hoop instructed the ambitious rider to head to where he hails from, the Sunshine State.