Trainer Profile
Matthew Hyland
Matthew Hyland’s experience in racehorse training stems back to his childhood, the second son of former jockey and horse trainer Pat Hyland .
He grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Cheltenham, only a few kilometres from the then famous Epsom training complex, it was here that Matthew began a 5 year jockey apprenticeship with the famous Horse Trainer, James Moloney.
Matthew rode over 150 winners, 56 of them were metropolitan winners, he was runner up leading apprentice in his fourth season finishing among the top ten jockeys in Melbourne. In his last 6 months of his apprenticeship, Matthew suffered a back injury from a race fall, forcing him out of the saddle for 18 months. Weight gain and the threat of further injury ended his race riding career, however, his apprenticeship provided him with an elite qualification, the craft and discipline of race riding – an invaluable skill that he utilises today as a racehorse trainer.
Matthew travelled to Newmarket, UK for 6 months whilst recovering from his injury, he used this time to “see how it was done in other countries and gain more experience”. He rode work for the successful William Jarvis, trainer of Grand Lodge and spent considerable time with Melbourne Cup winning trainer, Dermott Weld In Ireland.
On his return he joined the family training operation, and became Assistant Trainer to father, Pat Hyland who had also began his training career. Matthew worked alongside Pat & brother Chris for the next 6 years.
In 1996, Matthew married Kate and took up a position training privately at Global Star Racing. He trained successfully for Global Star for four years, bringing home multiple winners with Suavity (Tasmanian Derby), The Bartered Bride, Knockroe & Zdenka. In 2003, Matthew felt the time was right to branch out on his own and begin building his vision - accommodating a wide variety of clients, many of which have a keen interest in all aspects of racing - owning, breeding, racing & socialising.
Matthew Hyland Racing was established to provide this complete package. He has 20 years experience of which he now provides the ultimate racing experience.
Testimonials
Carol and I have known Matt Hyland since the days he was assisting his father Pat over ten years ago and consider his training and communication skills first rate. Lack of communication is the main source of annoyance for most owners; Matt is available to discuss your horses at all times.
The training facilities at Cranbourne and the agistment property at Officer are excellent and visits to both locations are encouraged and welcomed .On occasions we have had foals and yearlings arrive from interstate in poor condition and Matt has put in endless time and work getting these horses to the stage they need to be at before their careers as racehorses can begin.
During the last ten years we have been fortunate enough to have Matt train winners for us at city tracks and in the country and we’re confident this success will be ongoing.
Carol and I have been fortunate enough to have raced Group One thoroughbred and standardbred winners and we know that attention to detail is of utmost importance and this is an area where Matt excels. We are confident that anybody selecting Matt as their trainer will not be disappointed.
Danny & Carol Watson
