Stephen Theodore Racing

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The 2025/26 racing season was another successful campaign for Stephen Theodore Racing, highlighted by feature race victories, consistent performances at metropolitan and country level, and immediate success with strategically purchased tried horses.The stable's flagbearer Fine Future enjoyed a standout preparation, delivering two major feature race victories during the autumn carnival period. In early April, Fine Future captured the $107,000 The Vintage at Oakbank during the renowned Easter Racing Carnival, before progressing to Morphettville later that month to claim the $75,000 Thomas Farms Handicap over 1600 metres on Day 1 of the Adelaide Racing Carnival. The gelding continued his excellent form through the winter, producing a courageous performance when finishing second in the $175,000 Swan Hill Cup in June.Another stable star, Oxford Blue, provided owners with a memorable metropolitan feature win when taking out the $65,000 Sportsbet Country Mile Final at Morphettville on TAB Finals Day in November 2025. The victory showcased the horse's tenacity and ability to perform on the big stage against strong competition.Promising youngster Flying Brant further enhanced the stable's season by performing admirably during the Adelaide Racing Carnival, finishing third in the Group 3 Chairman's Stakes on Day 1 of the Adelaide Racing Carnival at Morphettville. The black-type placing highlighted the horse's potential and provided further evidence of the stable's ability to develop emerging talent.The season also marked the retirement of much-loved stable stalwart Katim's Club. A fan favourite throughout her career, Katim's Club retired in early 2026 with an impressive record of 5 wins and 19 placings from 44 starts, providing her connections with many memorable days at the races. Following her retirement, she transitioned seamlessly into life after racing and now enjoys her new career at the Silver Shadows Rehoming &amp; Education Centre, where she continues to be cherished and cared for.A key factor behind the stable's continued success is its focus on sourcing tried horses through online sales platforms, identifying value purchases that can deliver immediate rewards for owners. This approach was clearly demonstrated throughout the season. 3-year-old Boyd made an instant impact after joining the stable, recording back-to-back victories, while Nordic Viking also rewarded connections with a winning debut for the stable at Murray Bridge when scoring first-up in new colours, colours whom have formed a formidable combination with the stable in On Fire Racing.These results reflect Stephen Theodore Racing's commitment to placing horses where they can be competitive, maximising opportunities for owners, and successfully identifying racehorses capable of delivering immediate results. With feature race success, black-type performances, and a proven acquisition strategy continuing to pay dividends, the season was another strong advertisement for the stable's progressive approach and dedication to owner success.

Season 2025/26 Review

Stephen Theodore

The ever-consistent stable stalwart Divine Fire 'Alice' ended the 25/26 Racing Season on fire securing her 7th career victory at Strathalbyn this afternoon, in Race 5 the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap over the staying trip of 2050m. The five-year-old daughter of Divine Prophet had been racing consistently all preparation without winning and that was evident with her last couple of assignments, finishing second at Mildura and as recent as last Sunday, another second placing at Balaklava. Stephen Theodore knew he had a fit, sound and in form mare and made the decision to quickly back her up, finding a very winnable mid-week assignment at Strathalbyn. Hoop Rochelle Milnes took advantage of being on a fit and strong horse by riding positively and confidently, taking luck out of the equation, and the mare's tenacity was on display late as she staved off her rivals to hold on for a well-deserved victory. This was a very pleasing and rewarding result for Alice's owners, led by Jarred and Nathan Kersten at On Fire Racing. The gritty mare has taken her earnings over the 250k mark and continues to be one of the banner horses of the stable, who loves her racing and thrives under the systems of STR, which allows her to sustain a long and consistent preparation.

Alice On Fire At Strath

The speedy Boyd put together back-to-back victories for his connections last Friday 26/06/26 on the Ballarat Synthetic in Race 5 a BM56 over the 1000m sprint trip. The 3-year-old son of I Am Invincible ventured across the border to avoid the rain affected tracks and from gate 1 was able to hold the rail, absorb pressure to its outside, hold the lead rounding the home turn then kicking away finding a few lengths on his rivals to hold on strongly by 1.75L under a textbook steer from veteran hoop Brad Rawiller. Boyd was a recent online purchase and acquisition to STR, winning his first two races for the stable to generate instant results for owners old and new, which has been a thrill, particularly for the new owners to STR. Stephen Theodore had identified that training the gelding to run 1200m would see him be stronger over the concluding stages of shorter events, that has been evident in his assignments thus far and bodes well for future placement. Boyd can utilise his liking for good tracks and his on-pace pattern to find his place at metropolitan level, particularly into the warmer months later this year and continue to be a nice little money spinner for his connections.

Back-to-Back For Boyd

The ever consistent four-year-old gelding Hard Leaf, aka Russell, put together back-to-back victories at Mount Gambier yesterday, in Race 7 the BM58 Handicap over the seven furlongs. From the wide gate, Russell wasn't able to find a forward position and in-form hoop Harry Grace elected to stay wide on the track finding cover, which was the advantageous pattern of the day under the Heavy 9 track conditions. Russell has taken a real liking to the rain affected tracks and was the only galloper you wanted your hard earned on rounding the home turn, as Harry and Russell, under the 60.5kg impost, cruised wide into the home straight putting lengths on their rivals to win by a commanding 5.75-lengths. This is a pleasing result for Russell's connections, with win number three for the preparation, and this bodes well for the winter months, as the son of Long Leaf loves the sting out and relishes the wet conditions under foot and connections would love to find a similar set-up in a metropolitan race over these months. Russell is another product of the Hill track at home and the systems of STR allow this gelding to sustain a preparation and still present in fantastic order its ninth run into the preparation. The STR team are willing to travel to find the best race for any given horse to provide its best opportunity to return results for owners, and Russell is a shining light of this approach.

Hard Leaf Romps Home at the Mount

The recently acquired three-year-old gelding Boyd, saluted in style yesterday at Swan Hill on Cup Day, in Race 1 The Bottle 'O' Swan Hill Maiden Plate over the 975m sprint trip. The speedy son of I Am Invincible was purchased online only a few weeks ago and had equipped itself well to the systems of STR being trained to run 1200m in order to be strong over the shorter trips to negate its tendency to be found wanting late in its previous assignments. The script was to be forward early and find the front to play to its strengths, and that's what transpired; however, it was challenged in the lead by Induction, who didn't let Boyd get his own way. The race favourite, Scoobartie, was watching this unfold and had the drop on the leaders. Boyd had the better of Induction on the home turn and Scoobartie loomed large and looked to take over the race at the 200m mark but Boyd fought back and showed strength late to regain the lead and win the race in strong fashion. This was a very pleasing result for owners, who are only weeks into ownership, some of which are new to STR. It was also a joyous day for STR, who shares a strong affinity with Swan Hill and finding success during the famous Swan Hill Carnival. STR almost snared a double on the day with the stable warrior, the striking chestnut Fine Future, almost taking out the Swan Hill Cup. Kayla Crowther found the right lanes into the home straight and was coming with a well-executed run until Froggy came with a swooping run off its back with Cartoon Graveyard to claim it in the concluding stages. It was another bold effort for the stable star Fine Future, who keeps delivering consistent results for his connections, led by Jarred and Nathan Kersten at On Fire Racing.

Boyd Salutes At Swan Hill

Hard Leaf returned to form with a hard-fought victory on the 22nd of May 2026 at Mount Gambier in Race 5 the 0-54 Hcp over the seven furlongs. The $2.45SP favourite worked at both ends, having no peace when trying to find a forward position in running from a wide gate, which saw him posted three wide without cover. The gelding covered plenty of ground in transit and was under riding on the dogleg, however the toughness and class shone through late, as the son of Long Leaf found plenty in reserve to stave off his rivals in the concluding stages of the event for a gutsy victory. It was a pleasing return to form, after the venture on the Port Augusta dirt, the start prior, didn't pan out as intended. The return to the soft tracks proved a wise move from Head Trainer Stephen Theodore, as the four-year-old bay gelding seems to find his best on rain affected surfaces. Hard Leaf has taken his career wins to four, with another eight placings, and this latest win on the South-East has seen his earnings surpass the 115k mark.

Hard Leaf Back To Form With Tough Victory - 22nd May 2026

Stable favourite KATIM'S CLUB 'KATIE' recently retired from racing at STR. KATIE boasted a record of 5️⃣ wins with 1️⃣9️⃣ placings in her 4️⃣4️⃣ start career, which began at Rosden Park with Roslyn Day before being purchased by STR in early 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣. The courageous and gritty mare banked just over 1️⃣9️⃣4️⃣k in earnings over her illustrious career and will forever be remembered for her toughness. KATIE'S 'Off The Track' career has begun with her rehoming and training at Silver Shadows Rehoming &amp; Education. She has acclimatized to her new surroundings and work with the same grace and vitality she had for the racetrack. We look forward to continuing to track her journey via Chantelle &amp; Andrew at Silver Shadows.

Katim's Club - Off The Track - 18th May 2026

It was a winning day at the Mid-Weeks for STR with the recently purchased Nordic Viking 'Sarge' knocking off his maiden victory in Race 2, the Maiden Plate over the 1200m at Murray Bridge this afternoon. The three-year-old son of So You Think has made an impression on the stable since joining the ranks a few weeks ago, catching the eye of stable rider and strapper Madison Halford. The gelding has also taken to his work aplomb, impressing up the hill indicating he can progress through the grades accordingly. The stable was hopeful Sarge would acquit himself well today, however, the wide gate, wet deck and first start for the stable had all cautious. Pleasingly, Sarge pinged the gates and instantly negated the wide barrier by rolling forward and clearly leading the field. Young gun hoop Taylor Johnstone made sure to let Sarge roll and find his rhythm rather than restrain and potentially fight him causing him to over race. Sarge was there to be beat as the sitting duck all the way down the long straight, however, his inner fortitude and class saw him stave off his rivals and record his maiden victory. Post race with racing.com's Terry McAuliffe, Stephen Theodore commented "we paid 55 for him, which is a lot for us, a little stable with sixteen in work with a tried horse sort of theory, but he's been running in big races in Sydney, and what he did today I didn't expect it to unfold that way, possibly might be a bit fresh going into it after that little foot issue, but he's got an abundance of ability, and when he works up that hill he's got a very good recovery rate by the time he gets back to his barn he hasn't even worked, so this won't be his only win, there's going to be plenty more install". The talented three-year-old did have form on his CV from his time in Sydney with John Sargent and definitely relished the drop in grade on his new home deck. It was evident after the race that Sarge had a good blow, indicating he has fitness and improvement to come, which will likely see him find a suitable race in metropolitan Saturday grade. Sarge's big band of owners were ecstatic post-race savoring the moment in the Winner's Bar and the partnership of STR and On Fire Racing continues to prosper, as they head into this Saturday's G3 Hahn Cummings Stakes with the inform Fine Future on G1 Goodwood Day.

Victory For Viking

Fine Future 'Noodles' continued on his winning ways by taking out the last race on Day 1 of the 'Adelaide Racing Carnival' last Saturday, the 25th April 2026, at Morphettville, the 75k Thomas Farms Handicap over the mile. The five-year-old chestnut has an affinity with Kayla Crowther, and the pair enjoyed an economical mid-field run from the low draw, after leaving the machines clean. Rounding the home turn the pair were momentarily cramped for a run with momentum halted for a stride before balancing up and finding room at the entrance to the straight to power through a gap and win in style. Noodles has now recorded seven career victories with another seven minor placings and has surpassed the 300k mark in earnings for her loyal and passionate owners led by Jarred and Nathan Kersten from On Fire Racing. For anyone who spoke to Head Trainer Stephen Theodore leading up to the event had no doubt in his confidence of the horses' ability to get the job done, even casually telling anyone who would listen that Noodles was a "moral", no mean feat for a horse who started $14 in betting! Theodore had the handsome chestnut trained to the minute and noted that he hadn't witness a horse work any better Tuesday on the Hill leading into the event, and it was evident he had continued to flourish since his last race victory at Oakbank in 'The Vintage'. Post race a jubilant and somewhat emotional Theodore was all praise for Noodles and his fortitude to win. He was equally pleased by his team, led by new Strapper and Track Rider Madison Halford and credited On Fire Racing for believing in the systems and structures of STR to allow him to have Noodles prosper. Theodore and the STR team were very proud to be the only local stable to notch up a winner on Day 1 of the 'Adelaide Racing Carnival', which bodes well for the remainder of the three days. Theodore and Noodles now have their sights set on the 220k Group 3 'The Cummings Stakes' over the mile on Day 3 of the 'Adelaide Racing Carnival', the same race they finished a credible 3rd, back in 2025. The other runner for the day, the promising Flying Brant, recorded a very gallant third under the services of World Class hoop Craig Williams in the Group 3 Chairman's Stakes, and for a few strides leading into the home straight, looked the winner before being overhauled late. The son of Flying Artie will push onto the Group 1 SA Derby this Saturday at Morphettvile for Day 2 of the 'Adelaide Racing Carnival'.

The Future Is Fine For Noodles

Easter Saturday proved a fruitful day for STR and connections with Savsonic and Fine Future securing the stable two winners at the iconic Oakbank Racing Club yesterday. 
<div style="text-align: left;">Savsonic 'Sav' kicked off the day by winning Race 5, the 65k Emmetts Country Cup over the 1900m journey. The last start winning mare was able to find cover from the tricky gate under a textbook steer from gun hoop Will Price. The pair then enjoyed a lovely run in transit where Sav was produced into the right part of the track to prove the better stayer, staving off the late challengers to win by 0.59 lengths. The six-year-old mare is testament to the STR structures and systems, having start thirteen for the preparation with four victories. Sav takes her career record to seven wins with another eleven placings while placing just over 186k in the bank, most of which has come at her time with STR, for her loyal and passionate band of owners. Fine Future 'Noodles' rounded out the day for the stable producing a phenomenal performance to secure victory in Race 7, the 107k The Vintage over the seven furlongs. The gorgeous five-year-old chestnut reacquainted himself with talented hoop Kayla Crowther and it was obvious the pair are in sync, with Kayla producing a cracking ride to have the gelding find his best to hold off the fast-finishing Maracourt. Noodles take his career wins to six and the gelding has netted just over 263k in prizemoney. It was a real return to form for Noodles, who really came of age over the Adelaide Racing Carnival in 2025. With the 2026 Adelaide Racing Carnival nearing, having this bloke back to form is critical to the stable's success and would be very pleasing for his owners, led by our friends, Jarred and Nathan Kersten at On Fire Racing. It was another pleasing effort from Oxford Blue 'Caesar' in Race 6, the 107k Onkaparinga Cup. The four-year-old son of Fiorente finished a close second behind Savatoff and is banging down the door for his next victory on the doorstep of the Adelaide Racing Carnival.</div>