But the stakes are a little higher today when the horses they have respective interests in Vigor and Predatory Pricer contest the $2.5 million Group1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) today.

These two men from small coastal communities Mathie is from Ulladulla and Murray from Conjola are dreaming of Group1 success in an iconic Australian race.

Mathie is the Canberra Raiders football manager whose syndication business, Titan Thoroughbreds, has a part share in Vigor.

Murray is a small-time Kembla Grange trainer hoping to hit the big time through Predatory Pricer's success.

As kids growing up, Mathie and Murray shared a racing dream, hoping to one day experience the thrill of a Group1 win.

Today one of them may realise those lofty ambitions.

''It's outstanding to not only share this with my family and the other syndicate members, but to have somebody training another horse in the race that's somebody I grew up with down the coast,'' Mathie said.

''[Paul and I] have quite a bit of banter before the race even starts, we joke with each other as to where we're going to finish.

''We make a point to catch up with each other before the race.

''I'll definitely catch up with him and probably have an alcoholic beverage with him to calm the nerves.''

It's a strange twist of fate that Mathie and Murray have rival runners today, considering the very reason Titan Thoroughbreds was created was to bring family and friends closer together.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times