Strapper of the Year
2010 Finalists
Australian Racing Christian Chaplaincy, in conjunction with Racing NSW and the NSW Racehorse Owners Association is pleased to announce the inaugural “Strapper of the Year” award for Sydney racing.
The purpose of the award is to provide industry recognition for the contribution made by stable staff to the racing industry.
The winner will be announced at the NSW Racehorse Owners Association’s annual Racing’s Night of Champions on Thursday August 12, 2010.
Each strapper at four consecutive metropolitan meetings was invited to nominate up to three persons (from different stables) whom they thought suitable for the award. Over 50 people were nominated. These were then reduced to a short list of six using input from racing officials, trainers and track staff – a process made agonisingly difficult by the large number and high quality of equally worthy candidates.
The six finalists for the award are:
Joanne Farley
Joanne has worked for Rod Craig at Warwick Farm for over 7 years. Horses she has attended to during the past 12 months include Sir Nick, Velocity Gal, Clever Gaze and Intermac. Always friendly and with a ready smile, her horse skills and her attention to detail make her a wonderful backup to Rod everyday, and especially on raceday – where the complete confidence he has in her enables him to spend more time with the owners.
Anthony Rosta
Anthony has worked for Rosehill trainer Lee Curtis for over 13 years. Extremely reliable and hard working, Anthony’s dedication to the stables is legendary. Horses he has worked with this season include Black Routine, Voltabolta, Flight Command and Planet Melmac. An outstanding horseman, with a particular knack of coaxing young horses to behave, the patience and love he has for his horses helps them to produce their best.
Sachio Shimizu
Sachio has worked at David Payne’s Rosehill stables for the past 4 years. With exceptional horse handling skills and a top class work ethic, Sachio has earned the respect of all those around him. Horses he has attended this year include Girl Hussler, Emperor Bonaparte, Flaming Rock and Magic Model.
Skye Smalley
Skye is a talented horsewoman with many years of experience, the past 5 years having been with Guy Walter’s stables at Warwick Farm. Horses she has attended over the season include Yallingup, Dane Fontane, Kylie and Cash Attack. Hard working and reliable, her bright and friendly manner makes her a key member of the team.
Leonard Todd
Len has been a highly valued member of staff at Les Bridge’s Randwick stables for the past 5 years. Horses he has worked with this season include Gunnadoit, Sir Wally, Zeta and Hot Danish. Punctual, reliable and loyal, the special bond Len has developed with the great Hot Danish and his devotion to her welfare has played a very important part in her success.
Melissa Williams
Mel has worked for John O’Shea at his Randwick stables for the past 4 years. She is renowned for not just going the extra mile, but an extra two or three. Mel is an exceptional horsewoman with an outstanding empathy for her horses. Moreover her joyous nature and matriarchal role within the stables make a significant contribution to the working environment. Horses Mel has worked with over the past year include Informality, Strawberry Field, Petraeus, and Honest Lies.
