Women in Racing

Women in Racing 

Once upon a time the racing industry was a male dominated world, not many women held notable positions in the industry, especially any that carried any authority or decision making. If you look now, gosh things have changed. Women can be found not only working in every area of the industry, but in charge of those areas and making a huge difference with their knowledge and ideas. This week, Women in Racing are celebrated at the Magic Millions where there will be inductees to the Hall of Fame, as well as the announcement of the National Racing Woman of the Year and the State Winners. Let’s take a look at the ways in which Women are involved in the modern racing industry!  

• Sales – Sales companies such as Magic Millions and Inglis are doing wonderful things for the industry and not by just selling livestock. The Magic Millions Yearling Sales in January are now not just about the horses being offered but is a whole showcase; racing, show jumping, polo, award dinners and beach barrier draws are just a few of the things on offer over the week. There are “Women in Racing” incentives including bonus prize money for horses owned solely by women, as well as the annual Women in Racing Awards recognizing amazing leaders nationwide. All this is the brainchild of Magic Million co-owner Katie Page.  

• Trainers – It’s hard to believe, but not so long ago it was unusual for a trainer to be a woman. Now if you look through the race guide, women as trainers are listed everywhere, they are winning the major races and being role models for all the future female trainers coming along behind them.   

• Jockeys – You don’t have to look far to find successful female jockeys. One of the leading jockeys in Melbourne, and now Melbourne Cup winner, is Jamie Melham (Kah). There are women riding in races across the country, with some races even hosting as many female riders as male. Not to mention, there are many race days where females dominate the program taking home the wins right across the board, if not the full race card!  

• Commentators – If you happen to be watching any of the televised vision of racing on a Saturday you will notice that women are dominating in that area as well. More than 50% of the commentators are female and have a wonderful knowledge of the sport, from hosting, to the mounting yard commentary, and post-race interviews. 

• Executives – Women now hold many varied positions on many of the nation’s racing committees. Once excluded, they are now helping to make decisions that shape how Australian racing is today.   

• Owners and Breeders – Many of the horses you see running in races around Australia are owned, part owned or even bred by women. All women syndications are increasingly popular, particularly with prize money bonuses on offer. 

These are just a few of the positions and jobs in the racing industry filled by women, but the options extend much further and there is truly something for everyone including: 

• Track riders 

• Stable management 

• Forepersons/assistant trainers 

• Strappers/stable hands 

• Committee members 

• Sales company staff 

• Stud management 

• Agistment/Pre-training/Breaking in 

• Yearling sales staff 

• Float and truck drivers 

• Race day officials  

• Veterinarians 

• Health and Nutrition advisors 

• Farriers 

If you have a passion for the Racing Industry there is certainly a job that will suit you and your skills, with gender no longer the barrier it once was!