AFL premiership coach Denis Pagan’s career shifts into new paddock

7NEWSThe West Australian
VideoTwo-time AFL premiership coach Denis Pagan is just weeks away from becoming a fully-fledged racehorse trainer.

Two-time premiership coach Denis Pagan has turned his eye to a new career as a trainer.

The 72-year-old, who coached 344 AFL games during his 15-year career, is just weeks away from becoming a fully-fledged racehorse trainer.

“This is my passion now,” he told 7NEWS.

“I love my horses, and that’s all I what to do – train my own.”

The new career means early starts, but Pagan has never been one to shy away from hard work.

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The former North Melbourne and Carlton mentor already has six horses in his stable.

Camera IconDenis Pagan has turned his eye to racehorse training. Credit: 7NEWS

He’s hoping to have his trainer’s licence approved by the time they are ready to race.

“I’ve got a pre-trainer’s licence, all I’ve got to get now is a restricted licence so I can take my horses to the races and that’s what I am striving for,” Pagan said.

And he’s already got the backing of Melbourne Cup winning jockey Craig Williams.

“He’s all about the horse, I love that about him,” Williams said.

Pagan will combine his love of horses with coaching when he leads Victoria’s best jockeys in a team competition on the VRC’s newest race day.

Seven Vic Country jockeys will take on seven Vic Metro jockeys in the first twilight rapid race day, with funds raised going to bushfire charity.

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