A former top jockey in his day, Gerald Ryan is no slouch when it comes to training a winner.  Now based at Rosehill Racecourse in Sydney, the multiple Group 1 winning trainer has prepared numerous Stakes winning horses throughout his career, including VATC Blue Diamond Stakes winners Hurricane Sky and Paint, champion 3 year old filly Melito, and dual Group 1 winning AJC Derby hero Clangalang.

A career highlighted by particular success in his juvenile runners, Gerald’s involvement with Oakleigh Plate winner and young emerging sire Snitzel during his racing days, is becoming somewhat of a blessing to his stock. Already training eight of his progeny to Stakes success, which include Group winners, Hot Snitzel, Dances on Stars and Flying Snitzel, Gerald now has another special horse on the horizon in talented filly Snitzerland. After a gutsy performance in the Group 3 Danehill Stakes, Snitzerland has now won over $1 million in prize money and two wins from two starts this preparation.

With the carnival about to get into full swing, Bloodstock.com caught up with Gerald to find out more about his exciting filly and his involvement with new social media venture, StableSmart…

What are your thoughts on this year’s first season sires? Who has taken your eye on the track so far?

The main two first season sires that I have had the most involvement in have been, Duke of Marmalade and Myboycharlie. Both have impressed me so far.

Snitzerland has been very impressive to date. What will be her main aim this spring carnival?

Her main aim will be the Coolmore Stud Stakes on Derby day at Flemington, but we will happily take anything else along the way!

What are your thoughts on social media and how important is it to the industry’s future?

Social Media has had a huge impact on racing over the last couple of years, especially in regards to attracting new owners and within the punting scene. It is definitely the way of the future for the racing industry.

You have recently become involved with the StableSmart website making public updates about your emerging star filly, Snitzerland. What kind of information are you sending out to followers?

Track work reports, photos and videos and information valuable to fans and punters. I always send out the truth about where she is at and what she is up to and like to often make it a little light hearted to put a smile on people’s faces.

How do people sign up to StableSmart and follow Snitzerland?

Go to www.stablesmart.com to sign up. It is a really easy process and a great way to follow and keep up to date with your favourite horses, best of all it’s free!

Who was your biggest role model growing up and who inspires you today?

My biggest role model growing up was my father Jack and my role model in racing is late trainer Owen Lynch who I was apprentice to when riding. Two people that I have a lot of respect for today for their achievements are Chris Waller and Gai Waterhouse

You have a knack of getting your 2 year olds up and running early. What is your secret to keeping them mentally and physically sound?

Treat them like kids! Don’t push too hard, let them be happy and do what they want to do.

If you could win one race every year, which one would it be?

In Australia, Golden Slipper. Overseas, The Arc de Triomphe in France.

Quick Links

• You can follow Snitzerland's progress through the Spring Carnival by going to Stablesmart.com.au and searching Snitzerland
• Visit Gerald Ryan's website www.geraldryanracing.com.au