Jo McKinnon Column
Stallion parades a time to celebrate all that the industry is
Stallion parades are quite the thing these days and, for many, have become a must attend on the Australian racing calendar each year. The recent sequence of parades held in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, the nation’s thoroughbred breeding mecca, were a big hit once again with thousands of thoroughbred fans seizing the opportunity... Read More
More from Jo McKinnon Column
‘I am now scouting for a recruit so that I can be part of it all next year’
Finally, Racing NSW last week released its much anticipated Equimillion plans. Equimillion is an event for off the track horses set to be staged at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC), kicking off on September 30 and finishing on October 2. It is being officially touted as “an equestrian event with a minimum $1 million... Read More
‘I loved working with the horses and going to the races’
Katherine Coleman is one of the most impressive and respected young people in Australian racing and on Tuesday the 30-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough moment saddling her first winner as co-trainer with Peter Moody when Runsir (Fighting Sun) won at Pakenham. It didn’t take the new partnership long to double their tally, with Insulation (Intello) scoring... Read More
Thoroughbreds are all Heart as charity changes lives through equine assisted therapy
Lisa Coffey has found her calling in life and that’s in working with retired thoroughbreds to assist people of all ages who are struggling with psychological issues. Mental health is at an all-time low for many Australians, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic and recent economic downturn but she’s working hard to make a positive difference... Read More
‘I was hooked and thought I have got to get a job here. Two years later I was riding him trackwork’
On a cold, dark winter morning at Flemington some 20 years ago, I had my first foray into reporting on trackwork. I was a cadet journalist working on the racing round for the Herald Sun and was sent to fill in for one of the senior writers for the newspaper, Tony Meany. My only instruction... Read More
Kitchwin open their doors to the public with picturesque homestay The Barn
Kitchwin Hills Stud is set in one of the most unique parts of the Hunter Valley. Sprawling paddocks cocooned by the hills of Gundy are home to some of Australia’s best bloodstock. The Limestone-rich soils have grown winners of the Golden Slipper, The Everest, and the Melbourne Cup. It has a spiritual feel and now... Read More