Recognising and celebrating women in the racing and breeding industries who have made outstanding contributions, the Lady of Racing Award is now open for nominations.
Racing Victoria (RV) will once again partner with The Victorian Wakeful Club to present the Lady of Racing Award, which aims to celebrate women who have demonstrated a genuine passion and commitment to the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry in their chosen field.
After an impressive list of nominations earlier this year, four finalists were selected: trailblazing jockey Clare Lindop, leading trainer Natalie Young, administrator Claudette Luke and mentor and “mother” to many, jockey Christine Puls, who was announced as the winner.
Established in 1993 by The Victorian Wakeful Club, the Lady of Racing Award has recognised women from all areas of the industry, including the first female Chairman of the Victoria Racing Club, Amanda Elliott, Melbourne Cup winning jockey, Michelle Payne, and Principal of Yallambee Stud, Christine Woodard.
This year’s winner will be announced at the annual Lady of Racing Award Luncheon held the Friday before International Women’s Day, 6 March 2020, at The Glasshouse at Olympic Park, Melbourne.
Racing Victoria CEO Giles Thompson said it was a privilege to once again support The Victorian Wakeful Club on the 2020 Lady of Racing Award.
“Racing Victoria believes racing is for all and to achieve this we have focused on a number of key areas such as gender pay equity, diversity in the workplace, mentoring opportunities and a respectful workplace,” he said.
“Initiatives such as these, alongside respected events such as the Lady of Racing Award, help us to ensure that Victorian thoroughbred racing remains an industry of choice, particularly for females.
“In 2019 we saw an increase in the number of licensed female riders in Victoria, with female jockeys securing more wins than ever before, as well as the number of female trainers remaining steady. All of that can, in part, be attributed to the success of Lady of Racing Award winners such as Christine Puls and Amanda Elliott for inspiring more females to get involved in the industry.”
“As the leading club for women in racing in Victoria, The Victorian Wakeful Club is delighted to once again have Racing Victoria on board as our major sponsor for this prestigious event,” said Caitrin Kelly, President of The Victorian Wakeful Club.
"Women occupy many vital roles within the racing industry and International Women's Day is a great opportunity to both recognise and celebrate the contribution that these women are making.
"The Lady of Racing Award has gone from strength to strength in recent years. As women are leading the way in their respective areas, The Victorian Wakeful Club is delighted to honour and acknowledge these women through the Lady of Racing Award.
“We welcome nominations for any woman, from every aspect of the industry, who has made a significant contribution in some part to Victorian racing or breeding.”
Candidates can now be nominated on The Victorian Wakeful Club’s website, with the winner selected by a panel compromising of Victorian Wakeful Club members as well as key decision makers and executives from the Victorian racing industry.
If you know an outstanding female in the industry, nominate them here: www.wakeful.com.au/lady-of-racing
Tickets to attend the Lady of Racing Award Luncheon are also available to purchase now via www.wakeful.com.au/lady-of-racing