Young Gun Series: Matthew White

Matty White and his wife Brigette Solomon are paving their way as New Zealand’s most exciting harness stable on the rise. Now based in Clevedon, we caught up with Matty to learn more about him, as he hopes to fill his M White Racing Stables with their next racetrack stars at the upcoming 2025 National Yearling Sale.
 

How did your passion for the industry come about?
It was in the family. My Dad (Les White) and Uncle (George Wallis) were trainers, and for as long as I remember, I knew it was something I always wanted to be involved in.

What has been your career highlight to date?
Probably winning the Western Australian Derby as a driver, on Three Blind Mice. As a trainer, Paramount Kiwi winning back-to-back Harness Million trotting titles are right up there for my career highlights to date.

You’ve had quite the success with both trotters and pacers. Can you sum up the difference in preparing a trotter to a pacer?
It can be a little harder getting a trotter going than a pacer, definitely both gaits take patience, but trotters are skillful, and that can be very rewarding.

What do you look for when purchasing a yearling?
A nice balanced horse. It’s got to catch my eye. Then I’ll try to place it, and see what it will become in the future. How it’s prepared and managed along the way is important too.

You’ve ticked off the Harness Million double with Paramount Kiwi (NZ). What is another race would you like to achieve as a trainer? 

New Zealand Derby. That would be a real personal goal of mine.

Who is your favourite sire?
I’m really liking the Downbytheseaside’s at the moment. I have a few young ones by him coming along nicely.

Which horse has given you and your team the most satisfaction as a trainer/ driver?
Paramount Kiwi. He wasn’t overly expensive, around $40,000 and he’s taken his owners and I on a great ride already. He’s got a good future ahead of him.

Do you have any role models in the industry?
Barry Pudon. His attention to detail with a horse is second to none. You can’t help but look up to someone like him.

Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
I’ve had lots, but particularly that time and patience doesn’t cost anything.

What piece of advice would you give any young person wanting to get started in the standardbred industry?
Be open-minded, listen, and ask plenty of questions. 

Lastly Matty, when you have a free moment, what do you like to do in to switch off?
I like following other sports. Brigette and I like to do a bit of tramping too when we get the chance.

We look forward to catching Matty at the sales with selling kicking off at Karaka on Saturday 15 February from 1pm (NZT). Attention will then turn to the Canterbury Agricultural Park where selling begins on Tuesday 18 February at 11am (NZT).

All horses purchased at the Sale are eligible for NZB Standardbred’s lucrative Harness Million Sales Race Series. The Series consists of principal two-year-old and three-year-old races for colts and geldings, fillies and trotters individually, where NZB Standardbred graduates can contest for their share in a one million dollar prizepool.

As a non-Group One winning trainer as of 1 January, Matthew also qualifies as a Next Gen Trainer. For more about the Next Gen Series, read here.