Elite-level experience, international racing knowledge and a new generation of training talent come together as John O’Shea and Tom Charlton join Club Racing Australia.

MEET THE TRAINERS: JOHN O’SHEA & TOM CHARLTON

Elite-level experience, international racing knowledge and a new generation of training talent come together as John O’Shea and Tom Charlton join Club Racing Australia.

Club Racing Australia is proud to welcome John O’Shea and Tom Charlton Racing as one of our inaugural training partners.

Operating from Randwick and Hawkesbury, the partnership brings together John’s decades of success at the highest level of Australian racing and Tom’s international background, energy and modern approach.

Together, they offer a combination of experience, precision and ambition that makes them an exciting addition to the CRA trainer team.

One of Sydney racing’s leading trainers

John O’Shea has been a prominent figure in Australian racing for more than two decades.

His first Group 1 victory came with Shot Of Thunder in the 2002 Toorak Handicap. Since then, John has prepared an outstanding list of elite racehorses, including Racing To Win, Charge Forward, Foxwedge, Exosphere, Astern, Hartnell, Contributer and Lion’s Roar.

In 2014, John was appointed Head Trainer for Godolphin Australia. During his three years in the role, he oversaw more than 550 winners, including 10 Group 1 victories.

He returned to public training in 2017 and quickly re-established himself among Sydney’s leading trainers, continuing to produce major-race performers from his Randwick stable.

Across his career, John has overseen the development of more than 1,800 winners and 32 Group 1 victories.

Tom Charlton’s international racing journey

Tom Charlton grew up surrounded by horses and racing in England.

His father, Roger Charlton, established a highly successful training career from the famous Beckhampton stables, giving Tom an early introduction to the care, preparation and development of elite thoroughbreds.

However, Tom was determined to build his own career.

After experiencing Australian racing during a visit in 2018, he returned in 2019 and approached John O’Shea for an opportunity. Tom began at ground level as a stablehand before progressing through the operation and earning positions as foreman, racing manager and assistant trainer.

His work ethic, racing knowledge and attention to detail made him an increasingly important part of the stable.

In 2024, John and Tom formally entered a training partnership—combining John’s established record with Tom’s international experience and next-generation perspective.

Experience meets new energy

The strength of the O’Shea and Charlton partnership lies in the complementary qualities each trainer brings.

John is known for his meticulous approach, patient development of horses and deep understanding of racing and breeding.

Tom contributes energy, international knowledge and a strong passion for seeing young horses develop into finished racehorses capable of performing on major race days.

Their philosophy centres on treating every horse as an individual and finding the program that gives it the best possible opportunity to succeed.

The stable has continued to compete prominently within the Sydney training ranks, supported by an experienced team and quality facilities across its Randwick and Hawkesbury locations.

Bringing members inside the racing journey

That thoughtful and individual approach aligns strongly with the Club Racing Australia vision.

CRA is being created to give sporting club supporters a genuine connection to horse racing...not simply by watching on race day, but by following the complete journey.

Members will have the opportunity to learn about their horse, meet the people responsible for its care and follow its progress through stable life, training, trials and racing.

With John and Tom’s combined knowledge and their commitment to developing each individual horse, CRA supporters could have the opportunity to follow a stable operating at the highest level of Australian racing.

Could John and Tom train your club’s first horse?

As part of the inaugural CRA training team, John O’Shea and Tom Charlton could prepare a horse carrying colours inspired by your club.

Imagine following its journey from the Randwick stable, watching it progress through its early preparations and eventually joining fellow supporters to see it race.

With proven experience, international knowledge and a passion for developing racehorses, John O’Shea and Tom Charlton Racing are ready to play an important role in the Club Racing Australia story.