Twenty-five years have passed since a young John O’Shea celebrated his maiden Group victory when Grey And Gold captured the Villiers Stakes.
He added another three years later with On A High, and later claimed the race’s first running as The Ingham (1600m) in 2022 with Kirwin’s Lane.
Since then, O’Shea has built a reputation as one of Australia’s elite trainers, preparing 32 Group 1 winners, including three since joining forces with Tom Charlton 18 months ago.
On Saturday at Randwick, the pair will chase O’Shea’s fourth triumph in the summer feature.
“Obviously, a lot of water has gone under the bridge, but it’s a race that has always been very dear to me and let’s hope we can be competitive again,” O’Shea said.
Charlton’s arrival as business partner has injected fresh energy into the operation, something O’Shea has embraced.
He has also mentored young riders throughout his career, including playing a key role in bringing James McDonald to Sydney.
“I think it’s always important to embrace youth,” O’Shea said.
“A lot of the people we have working for us are young and enthusiastic and Tom is an extension of that.
“We’ve got a good relationship in the sense that we complement each other. There are certain things Tom does very well, probably that I don’t necessarily do that well or don’t enjoy.
“There are certain things that, as an older person, I can do because I’m hardened and more seasoned. Usually they involve the negative things of our game, but that’s just part of what running a business is.”
In Yorkshire, their Ingham contender, they have a horse capable of being a major stable presence for seasons to come.
Victorious in seven of his 10 starts, Yorkshire rebounded from a heart arrhythmia suffered in The Hunter to win the Festival Stakes (1500m) and now sits among the leading hopes for the $2 million feature.
O’Shea says the gelding has thrived since Rosehill and is arguably the best he has taken into the race beyond Group 1 star It’s Somewhat.
“He is probably the most accomplished horse we’ve run in it, apart from It’s Somewhat but It’s Somewhat had 59 kilos,” he said.
“This horse has ended up very well weighted (53kg) and probably has the best record of any horse we’ve run in it.
“It’s a decent race on Saturday. You’ve got progressive, lightly weighted chances and multiple heavyweight chances. Gringotts would be competitive in any Doncaster Mile. Sabaj looks to have great form. Estadio Mestalla has great form. There’s a Caulfield Cup winner (Duke De Sessa) in there. It’s a pretty strong race.”
Yorkshire has firmed from $6 to $4.80, while Gringotts has eased after drawing barrier 24, drifting from $3.60 to $4.40.
If you’re betting on The Ingham, compare Australia’s top bookmakers at JustHorseRacing’s betting hub.
