About Us

 

With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for horses it was certainly time for Tom Nikolic to take out his trainer’s license and make his dreams a reality.

 

The Trainer

Tom Nikolic

“I have always loved horses.”

 

After deciding school wasn’t for him, Tom left De La Salle, to commence an apprenticeship as a Jockey, based at Caulfield at the age of 15. 

He rode his first winner, Sunny Magic and his first double, Leonardo and Earn The Right in 1992.

At the age of 17 whilst apprenticing with Lee Freedman, Tom’s weight became a challenge and that began his involvement with the day to day activities of thoroughbreds ever since.

Over the last 25 years, Tom considers himself lucky to have worked with some of the best stables in the country.  Hall of Famers, John Hawkes and Lee Freedman, as well as Peter Snowden, Peter Moody, Toby Edmonds and other respected horseman on the eastern seaboard of Australia have all had a hand in shaping Tom’s racing experience.

He furthered his equine knowledge and experience by spending time at the Asian racing hubs in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.  Tom then worked in Queensland and New South Wales before returning to Melbourne in 2004 and taking up a position as a Trackrider and Travelling Foreman with Richard Laming of Cranbourne.

Despite his exposure to large-scale stables, Tom prides himself with a more hands on approach and plans to operate a boutique stable adjacent to the Cranbourne Training Centre.

Tom has the support of his partner Tara Scott, herself an accomplished equestrian and trackwork rider, who is also a great asset to Tom Nikolic Racing.

‘The timing is right for me to give it a good crack.  I believe it’s an advantage for me to have the small number of horses along with the support of some good owners, as well as riding my own horses every morning.’

‘Based at Cranbourne l feel is the ideal location for me as l have everything l need for my horses training preparation on my doorstep’.

Tom Nikolic

Our Team

Our team is hardworking and passionate about the well being of the horses. They are professionals in their fields and key in the success of the business.

Tara Scott

Racing Manager

At the age of 17, Tara commenced working at Mungrup Thoroughbred Stud. She was hands on with the mares, foals, weanlings and did prepping of horses for the yearling sales.  She moved into the racing environment about 16 years ago whilst riding track work in Ascot, Western Australia.

After moving to Melbourne in 2004, she started working for David Hayes as a Stablehand and Trackrider for approximately 4 years. She was fortunate enough to partner as strapper to the Group 1 winning Miss Finland.

Furthering her horse background, Tara has worked at Darley under the hands of Peter Snowden at Patinack Farm, based in Canungra, Queensland, Brendan McCarthy and is now working with Jason Warren at Denniston Park riding trackwork.

Tara has travelled interstate and internationally with horses.  Socially, she enjoys riding her own off-the-track thoroughbred.