“I love racing because the horses are magnificent athletes with a universally positive impact on everyone whose lives they touch.”
What does your Fred profile say?
I love racing because the horses are magnificent athletes with a universally positive impact on everyone whose lives they touch and I love the dressing up, fanfare and excitement of race day.
Everyone has a story about getting into racehorse ownership - what's yours?
It had been my lifelong dream to own a horse (any horse!) and as my husband and I were becoming more involved in racing in South Australia ownership seemed like the logical next step to increase our involvement in and understanding of the industry. We had met an up-and-coming young trainer at Morphettville, Travis Doudle, and thought it would be cool to get involved with one of his horses as he was clearly talented and on his way up. When an opportunity presented itself and he had a share available, we couldn't say no!
What's been your most memorable experience as an owner so far?
My most memorable race day experience was having a runner in the Carbine Club Stakes on Derby Day in 2017. It was my first time at Flemington and it was amazing to get to experience that as an owner.
My other most memorable experiences are going to Mill Park on the Limestone Coast and Cornerstone Stud in the Barossa Valley to look at yearlings we were considering buying. Those properties are spectacular and seeing all the horses in that environment is magical. I feel so privileged to be able to have experienced that and would recommend it to anyone who has any interest in horses or racing.
If you could own any horse in the world (past or present) which one would it be?
I love so many horses it is tough to choose! I love Lonhro for his thrilling racing style and classic beauty. I'm obsessed with Finche at the moment because of his tenacity, flashy looks and distinctive running style. For the US racing fans out there, I can't go past Arrogate and American Pharoah.
We know it's impossible to stop at one, so what's your ownership stable looking like now?
My husband and I currently have seven horses with various trainers in South Australia and Victoria, although we've also had a horse in Tasmania in the past.
How do you decide which horses to get involved with?
We have a matrix of factors that we consider when looking to add a horse to our stable, including such things as breeding, the look and personality of the horse, who the trainer is and where they are based, what the horse's preferred or anticipated race distance is, and whether it is a yearling or tried horse.
Anything you didn’t know at the start of your ownership journey that you wished you knew?
Ownership can seem a little bit daunting or out of reach to the uninitiated, but it's actually really accessible and most industry participants are very welcoming to anyone who shares their passion for the sport.
