The Queensland racing industry will celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women over the next week with a range of activities to take place across the state.
In the lead up to International Women’s Day on March 8, Racing Queensland has programmed a number of showcase races across each code to mark the occasion. They are:
- Thursday, March 4 – Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club (all women trainers’ event);
- Saturday, March 6 – Albion Park Harness Racing Club (all women drivers’ event); and
- Saturday, March 6 – Towers Jockey Club, Dalby & Northern Downs Jockey Club, and Gold Coast Turf Club (IWD races).
At each of the meetings, Queensland racing industry participants will be highly visible through specially commissioned handlers and strappers’ bibs, saddle cloths, harness colours, helmet covers and winners’ presentation rugs.
In addition, gift hampers will be provided to the first-placed female trainer, rider, driver handler and catcher in each nominated event.
RQ Deputy Chair Sharon Dawson said the racing industry had long understood the power of gender equality, ensuring men and women are able to compete against each other on a daily basis.
“The Queensland racing industry is fortunate to have so many outstanding female participants,” Ms Dawson said.
“Whether it’s trainers, drivers, jockeys, strappers or committee members, they all contribute to making the industry a more diverse and richer environment.
“By celebrating International Women’s Day in this manner, we are acknowledging the incredible contribution women make each and every day, and just as importantly, we provide a platform to help forge positive change for women.”
In the thoroughbred code, Rockhampton apprentice Elyce Smith equaled the Australian record last year for the most wins by a female jockey at a meeting after riding six at Emerald.
Later in the year, Smith was one of seven female jockeys who rode at Clermont and swept the card.
As the Country Premiership currently stands, Nanango’s Hannah Richardson sits atop with women making up six of the top-10 and 12 of the top-20 across the state.
In the harness code, Chantal Turpin leads the way in the metropolitan trainers’ premiership, while Narissa McMullen sits second in the metropolitan drivers’ premiership.
While in the greyhound code, Cynthia Elson heads the BGRC’s trainers - and owners - premierships, highlighting the success of women across Queensland.
Among the biggest advocates for equality in the racing industry is Hall of Fame jockey, Pam O’Neill, who campaigned for more than a decade to ride alongside her male counterparts by writing a letter per week to secure her position in the saddle.
O’Neill said the racing industry had come along way since the 1960s when women were first allowed to be registered as stablehands.
“I can see the big change that has occurred,” O’Neill said.
“Never in my lifetime did I expect to see a female jockey win the Melbourne Cup – I had tears in my eyes when Michelle Payne (crossed the line).
“From day one, we were on equal pay, but whether you’re male or female, you just want to be judged on your ability.”
Among other initiatives introduced in recent times includes the introduction of a ‘Maternity Support Scheme’ for female jockeys and drivers.
Under the applicable rules of racing, Queensland participants are required to cease riding or driving during the final two trimesters of their pregnancies.
With participants unable to access the Federal Government’s Paid Parental Leave Scheme until the birth of their child, the Maternity Support Scheme was introduced in September and developed to provide financial support during their pregnancies.
To acknowledge the vast contribution of female participants across the state, RQ will showcase the efforts of 10 hard-working women involved in the Queensland racing industry.
Click here to read more about their stories in the lead-up to International Women’s Day.