Fresh off his first graded stakes win with Clear Vision in the Grade 3 Tropical Turf at Gulfstream Park, up and coming young trainer Matthew O’ Connor sits down with Jonathan Stettin on Past the Wire TV.
Not only did this sharp, young, and dedicated trainer get his first graded stakes win, he did it with a horse he claimed just two starts back for $25,000. Matthew ran Clear Vision off the claim in the Claiming Crown Emerald, and the six year old Artie Schiller gelding ran a good second. Matthew stayed aggressive with the new acquisition, and ran back in the Tropical Turf and got a graded stakes win for himself and his owners, MEB Stables LLC.
Jon and Matt talk about Matt’s career, what he saw in Clear Vision, his philosophies on training and the concerns we all share about the current state of our sport as well as its future. Matthew brings a lot of enthusiasm and hope to the table which is something the sport needs. he also brings a pretty solid background and has worked his way up the ladder from hot-walking to ultimately training. Matthew is not only active claiming, he is at the sales and scouting and making purchases. Matthew has worked for Dominick Schettino, Robert Falcone, and Hall of Famer and two time (should have been three) Kentucky Derby winner Nick Zito.
We think you will enjoy meeting Matthew O’ Connor and it is probably a good idea to put him on the radar screen. He can have a very bright and positive future in horse racing!
Our Gate to Wire Podcast Audio Only Version:
Photo: Gulfstream Park, Coglianese Photos, Lauren King, Matthew O’ Connor with Duelist and Tyler Gaffalione
