Brisbane-based O’Dea Hoysted Racing to dissolve after amicable split

The partnership atop leading Brisbane-based training firm O’Dea Hoysted Racing will be dissolved at the end of the 2023/24 racing season. Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted will go their separate ways.  
 
O’Dea is the one behind the change as he intends to focus on other aspects of horse racing besides day-to-day work as a trainer. 

Hoysted intends to stay in the training business. O’Dea Hoysted Racing will be rebranded to Matt Hoysted Racing.

Statement announces split 

Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted announced on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Thursday that they would be dissolving their partnership and training outfit O’Dea Hoysted Racing.  
 
“We would like to announce that the O’Dea Hoysted Racing training partnership will be dissolved at the end of the current racing season,” the statement read.  

O’Dea walks away 

The trainers also revealed that, for the last six months, Steve O’Dea has slowly shifted away from day-to-day training operations with O’Dea Hoysted Racing. 
 
 Instead, the Brisbane racing veteran has focused on his other broodstock interests. Given this, O’Dea felt it was time to walk away.  
 
“I’ve been training for 19 years,” O’Dea said, “and feel now is the right time for a change of lifestyle while still being involved in racing. 
 
“I’m extremely proud of what Matt and I have been able to achieve together, with the obvious highlight being our first Group 1 when Uncommon James won the Oakleigh Plate last year.” 
 
The 2023 Oakleigh Plate at Sandown Lakeside is the only Group 1 race O’Dea won in his career. However, O’Dea is confident that Hoysted and former team can continue progressing and get another soon.  
 
“We have a great team behind us that will ensure the stable has continued success,” O’Dea said.  

Hoysted to take over 

In addition to announcing the split, the statement also said that the move to dissolve the partnership will usher in a “new era for rising trainer Matt Hoysted.” 
 
Hoysted joined O’Dea as an assistant trainer in 2016. He was promoted to the role of co-trainer in 2020. He will now be the sold lead trainer.  
 
“This ‘changing of the guard’ will see Matt Hoysted become head trainer of the stable,” the statement also said.  
 
With Hoysted taking full control of the training outfit, O’Dea Hoysted Racing will be rebranded to Matt Hoysted Racing at the end of the 2023/24 racing season.