The Australian Trainers’ Association (ATA), Country Racing Victoria, and Victoria Racing Club (VRC) are delighted to recognise the 2024 Country Achiever at Flemington on VRC Country Race Day. This award acknowledges the outstanding career and contributions of a country-based trainer, highlighted by a race named in their honour on today’s card. 

In collaboration with Racing Supplies, the ATA presents the recipient with a trophy and a $500 product voucher, awarded in The Committee Room.  

This year, the recipient is Shane Fliedner.  

Shane’s journey in the racing world began in Sydney, where he grew up. In 1974, aged 15, he left school to pursue a racing career, starting as a stable hand at Rosehill with respected trainer Fred Hood. In 1976, Shane moved to Berrigan to join local legend Burt Honeychurch as his apprentice jockey. Over the next few years, he transitioned between stables in Berrigan, Leeton, and back to Rosehill, where he completed his apprenticeship with Mick Hood.  

In 1980, Shane relocated to Victoria, settling in Swan Hill to ride for his trainer father, Len. After two years, he moved to Mildura to join John Castleman’s stable.  

In 1998, at the age of 39, Shane hung up his jockey silks, moved to Bendigo, and obtained his trainer’s license. Throughout his training career, he has worked with numerous successful horses, including Little Dozer (9 wins, $560,000), Laura’s Charm (8 wins, $500,000), Classiconi (5 wins, $430,000), and Jakodae (5 wins, $350,000). One of his most recognisable horses, Hi Stranger, won $800,000 in prize money, secured victories in the Kilmore and Echuca Cups, placed in a number of races, and was crowned Country Racing Victoria Horse of the Year in 2022.  

Shane has also mentored four apprentices at Bendigo: Lachie Thompson, John Robertson, Hayden Bath, and Mark Smetzer. While Lachie and Hayden have retired from race riding, they still ride trackwork for Shane. Mark has gone on to train independently in regional NSW.  

Beyond training, Shane has significantly contributed to the racing industry. He was a founding committee member of the Bendigo Trainers’ Association in 2014, serving as Secretary for eight years, and has been a long-time committee member of the Victorian Branch of the Australian Trainers’ Association since 2016.  

On the personal front, Shane married Briga Coffey in 1983, and they have two children, Kelly and Matthew, and two grandchildren who bring them much joy.  

With nearly 50 years in the industry, including 22 years as a jockey and 12 regional riding premierships at Mildura, Shane has trained 335 winners over his 26-year training career. His successes include two Group 3 and six Listed race winners, with total prize money exceeding $9.2 million.  

From his early days as a jockey in NSW and Victoria to establishing his training business in Bendigo in 1998 and achieving significant race success, Shane has also excelled as an educator of apprentices and a dedicated committee member at the Bendigo Jockey Club and ATA Victorian branch.   

Congratulations to Shane, a most worthy recipient of the 2024 Country Achiever Award. 

Image Credit: Brendan McCarthy/Racing Photos

Main Image: Fliedner's star galloper, Hi Stranger. (George Sal/Racing Photos)