Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
With a strong string of Autumn carnival contenders, John O'Shea is enjoying an exceptional season for black-type winners and juvenile winners alike.
John O’Shea has claimed an average of six stakes victories every season since 2017.
The stable has saddled four 2-year-old winners at a winning strike rate of 42 per cent.
O’Shea purchased 29 yearlings in 2023 at an average spend of $200,000; sixty per cent of those who have started are debutant winners.
The stable is currently boasting a winning strike rate of 22 percent since the beginning of 2024.
John O'Shea is currently experiencing a remarkable streak, boasting a winning strike rate of 22 per cent since the beginning of the year.
Despite managing relatively modest numbers of horses, O'Shea finds himself positioned seventh on the New South Wales Metropolitan Training premiership, rubbing shoulders with some of the nation's largest stables.
With seven stakes victories under his belt this season already, O'Shea possesses ample firepower as the season progresses, particularly with his contingent of juvenile horses.
| 2023/24 | 7 |
| 2022/23 | 11 |
| 2021/22 | 11 |
| 2020/21 | 7 |
| 2019/20 | 0 |
| 2018/19 | 1 |
| 2017/18 | 4 |
Table: Stakes-winners per season
Operating stables across Randwick and Hawkesbury, O'Shea consistently ranks among Sydney's top trainers. With an impressive record of 28 Group 1 victories, he is well acquainted with elite success.
Having claimed 11 stakes races in two consecutive seasons, O'Shea is poised to surpass his previous best, already boasting seven black-type wins this season. Among his recent triumphs are Linebacker (NZ) (Super Seth), victorious in last weekend's G3 TL Baillieu H., and Athabascan (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}), a dual stakes winner of the G3 Colin Stephen Quality and Listed City Tattersalls Cup.
A truly gifted horseman possesses the ability to train horses across all disciplines, and O'Shea undoubtedly fits this description.
With victories in prestigious races such as the G1 Golden Rose, G1 Sydney Cup, and G1 Manikato S., O'Shea has established himself as a skilled conditioner capable of success at the highest levels. As the Autumn carnival gains momentum, O'Shea finds himself with a wealth of talent at his disposal, particularly among his 2-year-olds, who have been performing exceptionally well of late.
Demonstrating his remarkable prowess in training, O'Shea has consistently positioned his 2-year-olds effectively, boasting an impressive 46 per cent strike rate in juvenile races this season.
Furthermore, nearly 70 per cent of his 2-year-old starters have achieved a top-two placing, further highlighting O'Shea's adeptness at placing young horses in suitable competitions.
| Roselyn's Star | Shalaa | Dual Star | $220,000 | Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale |
| Linebacker | Super Seth | Garden Of Swans | $160,000 | NZB Karaka Yearling Sale |
| Getafix | Calyx | Grisaille | $100,000 | Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale |
| More Territories | Territories | More Than Faith | Homebred |
Table: 2-year-old stakes winners 2023/24 season
