Inspired Singleton overcomes adversity

By Glenn Davis

If adversity is one of life’s greatest teachers then rookie trainer Rachael Singleton is a star student.

The Gold Coast-based Singleton has been through the wringer since arriving in Queensland a few years ago with her family after working as a stable hand for Canberra trainer Matthew Dale.

The 37-year-old cut her teeth in pony clubs on the eventing circuit and used to ride track work at Brisbane’s Eagle Farm headquarters before a serious fall saw her sidelined with multiple back fractures.

“When I first came to Brisbane I rode track work as a freelance rider but I had a bad fall and suffered multiple fractures,” Singleton said.

“I couldn’t walk for a year so I gave riding away and got my trainers' licence which is something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Fast forward to now and Singleton is now a one horse trainer and will head to Warwick on Thursday hopeful about her chances with Foxy Fraulien in the Class 5 Handicap over 1500 metres.

“I bought Foxy Fraulien for $1,500 mainly because I liked her breeding as she was by Foxwedge and I thought she would run further than want she did down south,” Singleton said.

“She’s only little and would be lucky to be 15 hands.

“She’s been a nightmare to train and is very hot headed and fizzy.

“But, I’m very lucky to have an amazing work rider, Bronwyn Spillane, who rides her work and I trust her feedback.”

Foxy Fraulien is part-owned by Singleton and is having her first start since ending a long campaign when she finished in front of one runner at Beaudesert in June.

“She had a very long campaign last time but she thrived on racing,” Singleton said.

“I’ve given her a barrier trial and she went well to finish third and was hard held.

“She’s drawn perfectly for her first-up run and I think she’ll be right in the finish.”

Foxy Fraulien gave Singleton her first winner as a trainer when she won her maiden at the Gold Coast in July last year.

The five-year-old has since gone to win a further three times including a 1500 metre Class 2 event at Kilcoy in March.

Foxy Fraulien vindicated Singleton’s judgement that she’d run further when successful over 1600 metres at Gatton on April 8.

Singleton has proven she's a great learner and looks to have a bright future in Queensland's training ranks.