Tony Noonan

Trainer

When he gave up his job as a high school teacher to become a thoroughbred trainer, some might have called Tony Noonan a little bit crazy.

But those people need to look beyond the time a police squadron chased him down the highway after the Straddy and the time he turned up to Mornington trials in his underwear.

Forgetting those moments however, crazy may still an accurate word to describe the meticulous nature which Tony approaches his training with.

Through his love of the horses, he thrives on the opportunity to nurture, educate and develop thoroughbreds to reach their full potential.

Tony prides himself on the excellent relationships he maintains with owners through honest communication, regular updates and a personal touch. By taking owners through their Owner’s Journey, Tony is able to share the joys he experiences every day whether it is at the races, at the stable or on the overseas trips he organises around international racing events.

When questioned about his greatest achievement, it wasn’t winning three Mornington Cups with Gunnamatta, or countless stakes victories. Instead, it is Tom, Sam, Jake and Laura – his four wonderful children whom he shares with wife Gabriel – who inspire him to wake up each morning for work at 4am.

When he’s not around the stable or the racetrack, Tony enjoys cheering on his beloved Bombers, going out for Chinese food and spending time with the family.

With his many successes and an adoring family, a little bit of crazy turned out to go a long way.

Alfred Chan

Racing Manager

Alfred joined the team at Greendale as the stable's Racing Manager in 2014 following a career in digital marketing.

The crowds, the excitement, the euphoria and the horses – the excitement of the Melbourne spring racing carnival was all too surreal. When Alfred saw people from all walks of life brought together by these gorgeous animals, he knew he wanted to share the excitement of racing with others.

Although he is no longer based at our Mornington stables, Alfred's knowledge of the racing and breeding are invaluable so he remains a reliable resource where he is frequently seen in at the races and sales ring. 

Off the track, Alfred is an avid AFL fan and believes he has one of the best right foots in the country. Unfortunately though, he introduced himself to chocolate and potato chips at too young of an age thus ending any athletic aspirations.

Away from the stable, Alfred holds a Masters of Marketing from Monash University where his professional interests lie in sports economics and sabermetrics. 

Alfred can be contacted via email at: alfred@tonynoonanracing.com.au or be found on Twitter: @AlfredC91

Gemma Lambe

Business Manager

Prior to joining the team at Greendale, Gemma worked in corporate business both in Australia and the UK as well as managing her own business here in Australia.

She successfully launched businesses for household brand names ensuring they had the processes and plans to move from implementation through to sustainable growth.

Making Mornington her home with a young family, Gemma utilises her skills in business, marketing, and customer engagement to manage the stable’s commercial operations.

She admits her understanding of a form guide is limited beyond the drinks menu but loves bringing friends and family together through the social aspect of racing. Her distinct business nous ensures Tony and Alfred do not get too carried away with their zealous plans of buying or breeding the perfect horse.

Gemma will be looking after our accounts and marketing while ensuring both our owners and employees have a memorable racing journey with Tony Noonan Racing.

Gemma can be contacted via email at: gemma@tonynoonanracing.com.au  

Mariah Kaminksi

Foreman & Track Rider

Mariah joined the team at Greendale in 2016 to take up a senior position at the stable having worked extensively in the industry since 2007.

Originally joining the Mike Moroney stable as a Year 10 work experience student, Mariah instantly fell in love with the horses which led her to accept an offer from Moroney to join their stable’s weekend team whilst she completed her schooling.

At the conclusion of her studies, Mariah was offered an opportunity to join the Moroney team in a full-time capacity where she commenced riding trackwork for the stable as she quickly developed a reputation as the most reliable of handlers.

Possessing natural empathy and a loving nature, Mariah seamlessly developed a strong affinity with the young horses coming through the stable where her skills made her an integral part of the successful team that claimed the 2009 VRC Derby with Monaco Consul followed by the 2010 VRC Oaks with Brazilian Pulse.

With a smile that can brighten the darkest days, Mariah’s nurturing of the horses under her care made her a favourite amongst stable owners so much so that connections of Brazilian Pulse named another of their horses – Mariah’s Pulse.

Although her namesake did not prove as successful has her Oaks-winning stablemate, that never dampened Maria’s spirits having always treated the horses under her care as her own children whether fast, slow or a deadest donkey.

Away from the stables, you just can’t keep Mariah away from horses because if she’s not playing with her beloved puppy Pebbles, she will be out riding Nugget, one of her stable favourites who raced as Murcielaga. 

Gemma Bekins

Stablehand

One of Gemma's first jobs was in a racing stable at Flemington, but as the commute between Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs to Flemington proved quite taxing, Gemma moved into the aged care industry. 

After 8 years and wanting a change of job and scenery Gemma moved to the picturesque setting of the Peninsula and came to Greendale in 2017, finding her feet she has become a valued member of the team.

Being a lady of simple pleasures, it’s not the glitz and glamour of racing’s carnivals that get Gemma excited about her job, but rather the pleasure of nurturing a young horse to a win.

Lisa Jones

Track Rider & Farm Manager

Lisa joined Tony Noonan Racing with extensive riding experience and a passion for horses. She has traveled the world with some of our greatest horses to Hong Kong (pictured), Dubai and England. 

Beyond riding trackwork, Lisa's expertise across all facets of horses beyond racing enable our horses are managed with the utmost care when at the farm. 

Whether they be in agistment or pre-training while out at the farm, Lisa's familiarity with the horses from riding them at trackwork ensures they are cared for by a friendly face. 

Ted 'From Tassie' Goss

Maintenance Manager

Ted keeps Greendale in tip top condition and always puts in an extra effort for our annual After Derby Barbie.

Beyond his immaculate attention to aesthetics, Ted is the ultimate Renaissance Man happy to fill in for other team members when required. Whether it be mucking out boxes, driving the truck, strapping on race day or mowing the lawns - Ted is always keen to help the team. 

Just don't hold the fact he's from Tassie against him... 

Mick Robins

Mentor

Mick successfully trained Rain Lover to back-to-back Melbourne Cup Victories in 1968 and 1969. 

He is one of just four men to train a horse to consecutive Cups.