Meet the Team
PAUL SHAILER
Founder & Head TrainerPaul Shailer brings more than a decade of elite, big-stable experience to Shailer Racing. He spent over 12 years with Chris Waller Racing, where he was part of the team that helped grow the stable from modest beginnings into one of the most successful operations in Australian racing.
Following a successful stint training in New Zealand, Paul returned to Australia to lead the Gold Coast operation for Chris Waller Racing. During this time, he gained invaluable experience with some of the sport’s most accomplished racehorses, including Winx, The Autumn Sun, Zousain, Lean Mean Machine, and Invincibella — experiences that shaped his methodical, systems-driven approach to training.
Since establishing Shailer Racing, Paul has forged a strong reputation for developing sharp, professional two-year-olds, with multiple juvenile winners and success in races rich with Magic Millions incentives. His ability to educate young horses early, place them astutely, and deliver value for owners has become a defining strength of the stable.
After quickly becoming the leading trainer on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Shailer Racing is now based at a state-of-the-art training complex within the Gold Coast Turf Club’s $63 million redevelopment. With access to a wide variety of premium training facilities and surfaces, every horse’s individual needs are carefully catered for — all with the goal of maximising performance and long-term success for owners.
HAMISH CHAPMAN
Racing ManagerHamish Chapman was raised in racing, growing up in a thoroughbred family alongside his brother, Paul Shailer. From an early age, Hamish spent his time working odd jobs around the track while at school, developing a practical, hands-on understanding of the industry. During university, his passion for racing only deepened, sharpening his eye for form and race placement.
When Paul relocated to New Zealand to train, Hamish joined him as Racing Manager, gaining invaluable experience across all aspects of stable operations. He later expanded his horizons in Victoria, taking on a Racing Manager role with Cloud 9 Thoroughbreds, where he further refined his skills in horse management and client relations.
Now back with Shailer Racing, Hamish brings a lifetime of racing knowledge, a sharp strategic mindset, and a genuine commitment to the success of both horses and owners.
Contact Hamish:
Phone: +61 484 603 384
Email: hamish@shailerracing.com.au
Bloodstock & Client RelationsLUKE DITTMAN
Raised in racing, Luke began his riding career in New Zealand under Alan Jones before returning to Australia and later expanding internationally to France and the United Kingdom. There, he was indentured to leading trainers, including Richard Gibson and Luca Cumani, gaining valuable insight into elite training operations across multiple jurisdictions.
Back in Australia, Luke rode at a high level for respected Queensland trainers Gillian Heinrich and Chris Waller, building strong relationships with owners and industry participants while developing a reputation for professionalism, communication, and instinctive horsemanship.
Alongside his riding career, Luke has operated a boutique bloodstock and racing consultancy, advising clients both domestically and internationally. His work has included bloodstock acquisitions for prominent ownership groups such as Lim's Stable, as well as collaborating on innovative racing and breeding data projects in partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the New York Racing Association.
At Shailer Racing, Luke is focused on bloodstock selection, owner engagement, and delivering a first-class client experience, acting as a key link between the stable, the sales ring, and the ownership group.
Contact Luke:
Phone: +61 423 923 840
Email: luke@shailerracing.com.au
Shel SHAILER
Assistant TrainerShel Shailer began her career in thoroughbred racing at just 17, starting out in the Southern Highlands with aspirations of becoming a jockey. After an early pause away from the industry, Shel returned to racing in 2018 following a move to Port Macquarie, where her passion for the sport was reignited.
She joined the stable of respected trainer Jenny Graham, where she spent five years developing a deep understanding of horse management and stable operations, becoming a trusted right-hand member of the team. Shel later transitioned to work alongside Paul Shailer, initially as foreman, a role in which she played an integral part in the daily running and success of the stable.
Today, Shel is an Assistant Trainer and Trackwork Rider at Shailer Racing, bringing extensive hands-on experience, strong horsemanship, and an intimate knowledge of the horses under her care. Her progression through multiple roles within the industry has shaped her into a highly valued member of the Shailer Racing team, known for her dedication, work ethic, and genuine love of the sport.
Contact Shel:
Phone: +61 413 955 755
Email: shel@shailerracing.com.au
Marketing Manager & Office AssisstantBELLA KING
Bella King began her career in the thoroughbred industry working alongside Kacy Fogden at the prestigious Aquis Farm, where she gained a strong foundation in racing & stable management. She later joined Annabel Neasham, spending three years as Stable Foreman of her Eagle Farm operation, playing a key role in the day-to-day management of a leading metropolitan stable.
Bella then transitioned into racing media, joining a start-up as a Social Media Manager and Content Creator. Working closely with the founding team, she helped grow the business from the ground up while travelling to some of the world’s most prestigious racing carnivals, gaining valuable international experience and a deep understanding of modern racing media and brand storytelling.
Now part of the Shailer Racing team, Bella combines her hands-on industry background with digital strategy and creative execution in her role as Marketing Manager & Office Assistant, driving the stable’s brand presence and owner engagement both on and off the track.
Contact Bella:
Phone: +61 439 651 019
Email: bella@shailerracing.com.au