With a rich legacy and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the Griffiths De Kock Racing team has consistently been in the top 10 in the Victorian Premiership for over three decades. Their impressive record includes Group 1 victories, such as the triumph of the Quarterback in the Newmarket Handicap and the emergence of the promising up-and-coming colt Verdad, making Griffiths De Kock Racing a shining example of success in the Australian racing world. 

Robbie Griffiths: Head Trainer

Robbie Griffiths, a Victorian-based horse trainer, has been a driving force in the industry since 1991. His story is a testament to unwavering dedication and a lifelong love for horses. As Robbie himself puts it, “I always knew my purpose in life was to succeed as a thoroughbred trainer”. Before transitioning to training, Robbie had a successful career as a jockey, claiming victory in 250 races. His brother Rodney also left an indelible mark with 16 wins across the globe. Robbie’s insatiable thirst for knowledge led him to work with icons of racing, including Bart Cummings, Colin Hayes, and the Freeman team. He closely collaborated with Tony Vasil, both as a rider and trainer, before venturing into the training ranks over three decades ago. A key focus of the team has been capitalising on Victorian prize money opportunities and targeting bonus schemes such as Super VOBIS and VOBIS Gold.

Mathew De Kock: Co-Head Trainer

In 2020, the team welcomed South African-born Mathew De Kock, the son of a legendary South African Group 1 winning trainer, Mike De Kock. The partnership came about when Mathew began looking around for a suitable place to open a stable in Australia. Despite initially planning a golf career in the U.S., Mathew’s passion for racing took over during a nine-month stint in the stables. He decided to stay and work alongside his father, gaining invaluable experience and travelling internationally to places like Dubai, the U.S., the UK, and Hong Kong.

At the young age of 32, Mathew De Kock has managed to amass an exceptional wealth of knowledge and experience, surpassing what many trainers only dream of achieving.