Heed to the call to the post

Frocking up for the races is something I’ve always loved. The girls and I used to get together as a big group, all dolled up and spend the day down at the Turf Club, placing bets on horses with the coolest names or because their jockey was wearing our favourite colours.

I’m lucky enough now to be working for the same Turf Club and from a corporate perspective, there is so much more that goes on behind the scenes than meets the eye. 

I guess when you’re a casual race-goer you don’t have much to think about when attending a race day – your hot tip, what to wear, and the position of the closest TOTE or bar.

From what I have seen in my dealings gives me a whole different view to the runnings of a Turf Club – these clubs are the livelihood for so many people from the CEO, board of directors, owners, breeders and trainers down to the youngest of stable hands.

Not to mention the flow-on benefits a place like a local Turf Club can offer to the local community and its residents.

My parents-in-law have shared ownership in race horses for several years now and it was through them that I my intrigue about the industry grew.

Initially my love of horses and socialising were the two main factors that drew me to a race day event – swapping tips with girlfriends over a glass of bubbly and chatting about fascinators.

Now, I am inspired by the history and tales that I’ve heard and a new respect and understanding of the thoroughbred industry has more than cemented my passion for this fast-paced fusion of politics, sales, events, fashion and tourism that is all encapsulated into the one organisation.

With a major race day approaching in two days time and more than 15,000 people expected to make the trip to the local Turf Club, I will keep in mind that it’s not just about the frills, spills and Gee-Gees – but that race day events are an essential part of the welfare of the thoroughbred industry, from grassroots weekend meetings through to the prestigious Melbourne Cup.

If it not for the good men and women who devote their lives to the horses and the clubs and their members who patronise them, there would be no understanding of this incredible corporation.

Cheers to all things racing!