Fresh off leading Collingwood to a thrilling qualifying final victory over Adelaide on Thursday night, premiership coach Craig McRae is poised for a significant September, both on the football field and the racetrack. McRae, who part-owns the Group 1 winning horse Feroce, recently spent a morning with horse trainer Dom Sutton, drawing intriguing parallels between preparing elite footballers and thoroughbreds.
“We celebrated together with a dinner after the Australian Guineas, and I was just fascinated with the stuff that [Dom] is doing around sports science,” McRae shared. “When you’re in high performance, you’re looking for every little growth opportunity, and Dom is certainly doing that. We’re trying to do the same in our sport.”
McRae’s Dual Passion: Football and Horse Racing
The announcement comes as McRae juggles his dual passions during a critical time of the year. Collingwood is now bound for a preliminary final, while Feroce is being aimed at the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield, scheduled for the very same weekend. This dual focus highlights McRae’s ability to manage high-stakes environments in both sports.
For Dom Sutton, having one of the AFL’s sharpest minds involved in horse racing has been equally rewarding. “Yeah, it’s pretty incredible having someone like Craig as an owner,” Sutton said. “At the end of the day, we’re both trying to prepare athletes to peak on certain days, and a lot of styles of training are very similar. The main difference would be that his players can talk to him, mine can’t.”
The Intersection of Sports Science and Training
This development follows a growing trend of cross-disciplinary approaches in sports training. The integration of sports science into both football and horse racing underscores the importance of data-driven techniques to enhance performance. McRae’s involvement with Sutton exemplifies this synergy, as both are committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional training methods.
According to sources close to McRae, his interest in horse racing is not merely a hobby but a serious pursuit that complements his football career. The strategic thinking required in both domains allows McRae to apply lessons learned on the racetrack to the football field, and vice versa.
Looking Ahead: A Season of High Stakes
Meanwhile, the upcoming weeks are set to be pivotal for both McRae and Sutton. “Spring means finals time, and the excitement of being involved in this time of year is something we really look forward to,” McRae said. “Then when Spring is done in terms of footy time, it’s time to get on track to watch Feroce win a Group 1.”
The move represents a broader trend of sports professionals seeking challenges outside their primary field, enhancing their skills and broadening their perspectives. As McRae continues to navigate the pressures of AFL finals and the anticipation of horse racing success, his dual pursuits offer a unique lens on the intersection of sports disciplines.
For fans and analysts alike, McRae’s journey is a testament to the multifaceted nature of modern sports careers. As both Collingwood and Feroce aim for glory, McRae’s story serves as an inspiring example of how passion and dedication can transcend the boundaries of traditional sports roles.
“At the end of the day, we’re both trying to prepare athletes to peak on certain days, and a lot of styles of training are very similar. The main difference would be that his players can talk to him, mine can’t.” – Dom Sutton
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on McRae to see how he balances these high-stakes commitments. Whether on the field or the racetrack, his strategic acumen and passion for excellence are sure to leave a lasting impact.
