The Russo brothers have been active members of the horse racing community for well over thirty years and show no sign of slowing their successful roll anytime soon.
Charlie, Angelo and Joe reflect on their trail of success with pride, and even following on from a lengthy twenty-year hiatus, the Russo’s are more than eager to jump back in the saddle, with big plans already in motion for 2025.
The Russo’s entered the industry in the 1990’s and made quite a name for themselves with their star stallion, Mr Rogers winning many races across the state, as well as a record place in the Sydney limelight.
In the beginning of the Russo’s horse racing career, Charlie trained each of the horses, with the trio all having a hand in the preparation process. However, more recently, Joe has picked up the reins and trains the horses himself down at the local club.
In the past couple of years, the Russo name has returned to the spotlight, particularly following last month’s Gold Cup celebratory win at the Herbert River Jockey Club on Saturday 19 November.
“He’s not a bad horse and Zouhope has won about four or five races for us, and this year he won the cup!” explained Joe.
“His win wasn’t a surprise; we were pretty confident – he’s a good horse.”
Although Saturday saw the Russo’s first Gold Cup victory, the brothers have celebrated many prestigious wins over their career, including several feature races such as 1998’s Cleveland Bay Handicap whilst also championing a Cluden training premiership, and Townsville Amateur Cup.
With 2025 on the horizon, the brothers hope to add an additional ten horses to the stable, bringing the total to fourteen stallions under the Russo name.
“We won just about everything all those years back from Townsville, to Brisbane, to Sydney – we do really enjoy our racing – we love it really,” added Joe.
The Russo’s with their winning horse Zouhope and jockey Lacey Morrison on the Ingham track (Photo Credit Christopher Spencer).
Jockey, Lacey Morrison raced Zouhope over the finish line on 16 November (Photo Credit Christopher Spencer).
Joe, Charlie and Angelo Russo were confident Zouhope would take home a win (Photo Credit Christopher Spencer).
Jockey, Lacey Morrison and Zouhope being led by Charlie Russo (Photo Credit Christopher Spencer).
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes. Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
.jpg)
