By Jordan Gerrans
Darling Downs trainer Lindsay Hatch is about to enjoy a homecoming of sorts when he opens a brand new North Queensland satellite stable.
The experienced Hatch was born in Blackall but grew up in Ayr in North Queensland.
A conversation on Townsville Cup day earlier this year has fast-tracked the renowned mentor of apprentice jockey’s plans to open up a northern branch of his team.
The Townsville stable will be managed by former jockey Martin Haley, who looked after Hatch’s contingent of gallopers as they campaigned during the northern winter carnival.
“It is exciting,” Hatch said.
“People like Chris Waller and Kris Lees are doing similar things and it is about having the right people running the show for you when you are not there.
“I am looking at six more years for my training and then I want to step back.
“In any good stable, you need good leadership and staff.”
The long-time Clifford Park based trainer went to school in Ayr and recalls attending the Townsville races with his father before he left NQ when he was 14 to become an apprentice jockey in Brisbane.
After he finished up riding, Hatch eventually turned his hand to training.
Townsville businessman John Horan approached Hatch about taking on a number of gallopers he owns and opening up a stable in Townsville.
The pair have done their due diligence about each other, Horan spending a couple of days on the Darling Downs recently to run his eyes over how Hatch operates.
The plan is for Hatch and his wife to fly to Townsville soon for two days to get everything set up before handing the keys to the 32-year-old Haley.
Once Haley has the stable up and running, Hatch anticipates he will make the trip to Townsville at least twice a month, while also noting he does not want to take his eyes of the ball on his Darling Downs operation, as well.
The Horan and Hatch partnership are likely to have around 20 in work at their peak.