2019 Winner

Autumn Carnival Awards

2019 Winners

Alex Maher named as Sydney Strapper of the Year 2018-2019

No one is more suited to an award which recognises dedication and hard work in the racing industry than Alex Maher. 

Alex is held in high regard by her peers and senior staff at John O’Shea Racing. She goes above and beyond her duties to ensure the stable runs smoothly and efficiently and the horses are well cared for, this means starting before anyone else in the stable at 3:30am and being the last to leave after every shift, leaving no task incomplete. 

Alex is an esteemed horsewoman who is trusted to manage when taking horses interstate to race. She is an integral part of the team and is the first point of contact to coordinate the vets, physios, truck drivers, feed deliveries etc as well as run the barrier trials, drive the horse float on race day as well as saddling up duties and staff rostering. 

Alex is the foundation of the stable and a real favourite with the staff. She’s a very approachable, kind and caring person and an excellent teacher to new staff in the stable. 

(The Sydney Strapper of the Year Award is sponsored by Racing NSW and coordinated by Australian Racing Christian Chaplaincy.  It is presented at the NSW Racehorse Owners Association “Night of Champions”. The winner is selected by Racing NSW judges from a group of very worthy finalists. Photos courtesy of Racing NSW and the NSW Racehorse Owners Association)