Sydney Strapper of the Year
2022 Winner
Ian Smith named as Sydney Strapper of the Year 2021-2022
Ian Smith (better known as Ginger) works for many different stables on racedays, particularly for the country and provincial trainers who don’t have sufficient staff available to send to the races.
And this season, during the covid zoning restrictions, the role of the raceday strapper really came into its own, with Ian not just strapping on race day but often standing in for the trainer as well.
He is a skilled horseman who can handle any horse and is always extremely professional in the way he conducts himself. He is also a thorough gentleman and greets everyone with a smile and will go out of his way to say G’day.
Ian looks out for everyone and is always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. It is never surprising to find him helping someone who is struggling with an unruly horse or assisting other stables to saddle up their horses in addition to caring for his own horses.
He is always encouraging to others and is particularly so to younger stable staff who are learning the ropes. His horsemanship, his easy-going demeanour and his generous attitude have earnt him great respect far and wide.
(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.)
