by Michael Howard
When the red carpet was rolled out at the Crown Palladium and the bright lights turned on, the trots finest were put on their rightful pedestal.
Champion trainer Emma Stewart, distinguished owner Marg Lee, leading monte rider Kima Frenning and outstanding administrators and volunteers Mavis Collison, Helen Head, Faye McEwan and Jo Cross were among the award winners put in the spotlight.
Their 2016 Gordon Rothacker Medal victories were recognition of excellence and service to a sport, honours which were hard-earned and accounted for more than half of the night’s individual awards.
There were plenty of trophies placed on tables, but not tabled amid the throng of female success were discussions of gender.
And so, on International Women’s Day, it’s worth reflecting that in the trots it’s largely business as usual given women across the industry are seen not only on an even keel, but in some areas dominant.
It’s a gradual advancement that Elizabeth Clarke, a long-time trots administrator and HRV board member, has witnessed first-hand.
“In the last five years female representation in the administration as well as participation has really stepped up,” Ms Clarke said.
“The result of that has been more and more inclusion but also more diversity and new ideas that is only to the betterment of the industry.”
Having been in trots administrative roles since age 17, Ms Clarke has advanced throughout the industry on merit but also from a desire from racing ministers to improve female representation in the sport. She said this objective had helped fast-track a more inclusive environment.
“As time has progressed there are far more women in leadership roles and administration,” she said. “It’s very nice to see women putting their hands up and being selected on their merits. It can only be an absolute positive; it opens doors and brings in new skills and mindsets.”
And it’s an involvement that is only becoming more entrenched according to Gippsland Harness Training Centre manager Jenni Lewis.
“When I came to Victoria from Adelaide in 2001 I found the Gippsland school and started there as a student,” Ms Lewis said. “It was rather male dominated, but I never felt disadvantaged, which is one of the things I love about the industry.”
Ms Lewis’ passion for the industry would see her stay on at the Community College Gippsland and ultimately see her become the trots program’s manager. Somewhat organically, she says, that male domination has become a thing of the past.
“They’re all girls now, every single student,” she said. “We had a dozen come through last year and all were females as well. When they come to our VET in Schools classes they are quite often girls who love horses and when they leave they are harness racing enthusiasts.
“I’m finding people are preferring females a lot of the time when it comes to stablehand duties, which is where everyone gets their start, because the girls often have a softer touch with the horses and the horses really respond to them. Gender is really not a barrier whatsoever in this sport. I’m really proud of that.”
Those looking for pathways into the sport can contact the Gippsland Harness Training Centre via ccg.asn.au or Bendigo Harness Training Centre at hrtcbendigo.com.au
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