Strapper of the Year
2012 Finalists
The six finalists for the award are:
Glenn Barnes
Glenn is the definition of a real quiet achiever. Having been employed in Chris Waller’s stable for a few years now, Glenn’s hard work ethic, enthusiasm, punctuality and diligence make him a huge asset to the team. Glenn is the first to arrive and last to leave each morning and afternoon and takes absolute pride in his work. Glenn is popular amongst his peers and his dedication to the industry makes him the ideal recipient of this type of award. Horses he has cared for recently include Jade Marauder, Wazn and Little Surfer Girl.
Nathan Large
Nathan has spent 18 years at various Rosehill stables, including 9 years with Jack Denham as well as Kim Waugh, Chris Waller and now David Payne. He is an excellent horse handler who takes great pride in his work and has a great love for the horses in his care. He presents his horses in immaculate condition and is always cheerful and friendly and willing to help others. Some horses he has worked with over the years include Spark of Life, Tobique, and Metal Bender.
Skye Smalley
Skye is a talented horsewoman who has shown dedication to her horses over many years. She is very particular in her care of them and has always shown great attention to detail which is so important with horses. Horses she has attended over the season include Our Barney, Skateboard, and Lautrec. Hard working and reliable, her competence and confidence (particularly with the more difficult horses) along with her bright and friendly manner have made her a key member of the team as well as winning respect and admiration from a broad range of staff, officials, and peers across the Sydney racing scene and beyond.
Travis Whitaker
Upon commencement at Gai Waterhouse Racing Stables 4 years ago, Travis immediately displayed excellent horse skills far beyond his tender age. He has a strong work ethic and is often the first to arrive and the last to leave the stables each day, carrying out his allotted duties to a very high standard. This has seen him quickly elevated to greater responsibility within the stables. He presents hiself and his horses in a professional manner at all times and his outgoing personality has ensured he has no problems in communicating with owners and staff alike. Horses entrusted to Travis’s care include Pierro, Western Symbol and Laser Hawk.
Trevor Treloar
Trevor is a very dedicated employee who not only lives for his horses but is someone who is liked and respected by his peers. Trevor has been looking after racehorses for 40 years and his skills and attention to detail is second to none. He has a very patient and calming way with horses and horses respond to him. He knows all his horses, their personality and can tell you exactly what mood the horse is in each day and how to work with it. Trevor always takes pride in the way he dresses for the races and always has his horses looking immaculate not only for race day but also every day around the stables. His work ethic is exceptional and the stable is very lucky to have such a great horseman. Horses Trevor has worked with recently include Mr Unforgettable, Song and Roses and Rain Alert.
Troy Miller
Troy has been an integral part of the Steve Englebrecht stables for 12 years and has developed into a very skilled horseman and very valuable employee. He is known for his calm and patient manner with all horses in all situations – always unflustered and always confident in dealing with whatever they throw at him. Combined with his intelligence and his affable, generous nature, this has meant that he is highly respected by both staff and clients and the wider racing community.