As we round out July, the 2018/19 racing season is coming to a close and the anticipation for Spring is just around the corner. When I reflect on the past season, many highlights come to mind. Our industry and the general public alike have embraced the amazing Winx and witnessed her win an unprecedented four Cox Plates. A raft of new races and initiatives were launched including the public-voted All Star Mile, an Odds & Evens bet type, NSW’s $7.5 million Golden Eagle, not to mention the massive prizemoney increases across the racing calendar. *Mystic Journey won the inaugural All Star Mile at Flemington (Racing Photos) Ballarat Turf Club has installed a new synthetic racetrack, Warrnambool R
As part of their Equine Welfare Strategic Plan, Racing Victoria (RV) created the Off The Track program to drive demand for thoroughbreds into secondary roles following their racing careers. Since its inception, the program has sponsored over 700 events in which more than 15,000 retired racehorses have competed. Earlier this week, RV announced the introduction of a new annual award to recognise and reward the achievements of the equine experts who prepare these retired racehorses for their next careers. *RV's new award recognises the work of retrainers (photo: Racing Victoria) Three finalists have been announced for the inaugural Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year Award - Jessica Schneider, N
For the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria on the content and execution of their social media and marketing campaigns. It’s been a great experience, and I have learnt so much about the breeding industry. As I briefly mentioned in my last post, with the introduction of TBV’s new Grassroots segment I’ve also been able to meet and interview some wonderful and inspiring people - the industry's quiet achievers who have great stories just waiting to be shared. Shane Freedman was one such subject: * Shane Freeman at work. Show Jumper. Pre-Trainer. Bull Rider. Yearling Preparer. Breaker. He may be a man of few words, but Daisy Hill Farm Manager Shan
