- Tom McLackland trains hard to cope with demands of job
When Tom McLackland was growing up, he became obsessed with horses and the idea of becoming a farrier, just like his father.
The 32-year-old is one of the finest Australia has ever produced in the field – but he certainly doesn’t look like your average horseshoer.
McLackland, who looks like he could be suiting up in the NRL thanks to his strict training regime, has opened up about his motivation for staying so fit.
‘I really enjoy training and work out twice a day,’ he told the Daily Mail as he geared up to work at the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.
‘I take a lot of pride in paving the way for the next generation of farriers. I believe you should take pride in your work.
‘I train every morning before work and every night after I finish.’
Tom McLackland (pictured) has spoken exclusively to the Daily Mail about what life is like as a farrier
The 32-year-old (pictured) doesn’t fit the stereotype normally associated with being a farrier and looks more like a first-grade footballer
The fitness junkie revealed his line of work is far more demanding on the body than most people realise, with not many younger people itching to pursue it as the average age for the job hovers around 50.
‘Being a farrier is not a glamorous job. It’s physical and tough on the body,’ he said.
‘That’s why I enjoy taking care of myself so much. It’s very common for farriers to retire early – it’s a very tough industry.
‘The hardest part of the job is the physical toll on the body.’
Despite the challenges, McLackland also recalled how he was first drawn to the profession.
‘I was around horses all my life thanks to my dad,’ he added.
‘The older I got, the more I appreciated his craft. I love being around horses – they’re incredibly intelligent animals.
‘I was also drawn to the thrill of racing and the rags-to-riches stories.’
McLackland (pictured) has revealed just how taxing his job is on the body
The horseshoer (pictured) has been in shape all his life and takes physical conditioning seriously
McLackland will be the farrier at Randwick on Saturday, and he has a tip on who will claim victory in the Queen Elizabeth.
‘It’s a tough one to call, but I’m backing Autumn Glow,’ he said.
The superstar mare will face seven rivals in Saturday’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes on day two of The Championships.
Three of them are her stablemates, while she will also line up against two William Haggas-trained horses.
Autumn Glow will be attempting to claim her 12th consecutive win.
