Our Story
Sears Racing
Sears Racing is one of Queensland’s leading training partnerships, lead by father and daughter duo, Tony and Maddysen Sears.
Professionally training thoroughbreds as TJ Sears Racing since 1992, Tony’s impressive career brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the stables. Tony has an outstanding amount of industry experience, an exceptional reputation and his passion for racing and thoroughbreds is second to none.
Maddysen has lived and breathed horse racing her entire life and in 2019 Tony & Maddy combined forces and became the co-training partnership of Sears Racing. The unique father-daughter training partnership creates a fusion of a lifetime of tried and tested experience with a savvy modern perspective.
We combine a holistic approach with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, providing top quality performance and outstanding results for your thoroughbreds. Above all, at Sears Racing we have an unwavering love of the sport. Our passion for horse racing is at the forefront of everything we do.
The trust and love from our owners and supporters makes all of this possible and we are so grateful to have you on this journey with us.
The Early Days
Tony Sears first began his impressive career in the racing industry as a jockey at age 15 where he competed in New Zealand and worked as an apprentice to Bruce Marsh, who is now one of the leading trainers in Singapore.
G'day Australia
In 1981, Tony moved to Australia and continued to compete as a jockey until he gave up riding ten years later.
New Beginnings
In 1991, Tony started to work as a private trainer for Colin Richards. This was also the year that Tony & Leigh's son Michael was born, who is now our Racing Manager.
TJ Sears Racing
In 1992, Tony founded TJ Sears Racing with his wife Leigh.
Since then Tony has trained an exceptional number of winning horses. Some of his notable winners and best horses over the last few years have included Oliver Twist, Pardoe and Choice Bro – the winner of the Weetwood Cup in 2016.
Rising Star
In 1997, Tony & Leigh's daughter Maddysen was born. Little did they know that 22 years later, Maddy would be joining her Dad as a co-trainer.
The Weetwood Victory
A huge win for Tony & the TJ Sears Racing stables, when Choice Bro secured first place at the Weetwood Cup in Toowoomba, 2016.
A Queensland First
Maddy worked alongside Tony for 5 years after leaving school, and in 2019 they made things official and became co-trainers. TJ Sears Racing became Sears Racing, and an exciting new chapter began for the state's first father-daughter training partnership.
Yellow Brick
Sears Racing once again in the spotlight thanks to the triumphant victories from stable favourite Yellow Brick.
Hello Gold Coast
After decades of great success being based in Toowoomba, Sears Racing decided to branch out and open a new and exciting stables at the Gold Coast.
This marks the beginning of another big chapter for the team and we can't wait to see where it takes us.
Meet The Team
Tony Sears
Founder & Trainer
Tony first began his impressive career in the racing industry as a jockey at age 15. In 1992, Tony founded TJ Sears Racing with his wife Leigh. Since then Tony has trained an exceptional number of winning horses. Tony is renowned for his industry experience, wealth of knowledge and friendly manner.
Maddy Sears
Trainer
Maddy joined Sears Racing in 2019 as Co-Trainer with Tony. Maddy opened up the Gold Coast stables in 2024 and has since had notable success with a number of horses including Yellow Brick. Maddy has been riding since she was 18 months old and also competes in the show horse industry at the highest level.
Michael Sears
Racing Manager
Michael joined Sears Racing in 2025 as the Racing Manager. With a background in business development and a lifetime of industry knowledge, Michael has been the perfect fusion to help manage and grow the Sears Racing business to what you see today.
Leigh Sears
Founder & Director
Leigh also began her career in the industry as a jockey and founded TJ Sears Racing with Tony in 1992. Leigh has also been competing at the highest level in the show horse industry for over 20 years and is the Chair of the Show Horse Queensland committee.