Two unsung heroes of the Victorian racing industry have been named as the finalists for the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award at Godolphin’s 2016 Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards.
Lee Purchase, from Darren Weir Racing, and Racing Victoria Acknowledged Retrainer Nikki Cook have been recognised for their contributions to the industry, specifically in the area of racehorse retirement.
Although Purchase is employed as a stable hand and truck driver for the massive Weir training operation in Ballarat, she has become best known for the voluntary role she plays in rehoming Weir’s retired racehorses into second careers.
Purchase’s network extends across multiple equestrian and pleasure disciplines and it is estimated that she has rehomed more than 250 horses into post-racing careers in showing, dressage, eventing, polo, pony club and even stock work.
Freshwater Creek-based Cook became a Racing Victoria Acknowledged Retrianer shortly after the inception of the Off the Track program in 2012 and has worked diligently over several years to re-educate and place retired racehorses into new careers.
A hands-on retrainer that also engages a small staff under the Shory Park Horses banner, Cook is a trusted thoroughbred educator and has developed a successful working relationship with a network of Victorian trainers and owners.
The Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award aims to recognise an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the care and welfare of thoroughbreds who are not actively racing, as well as someone who has created a greater awareness, passion and care for thoroughbreds in a new career.
To be announced at The Valley on 2 December, the winner will receive a trophy, $10,000 and $3000 to their employer to share amongst staff. The runner-up will receive $1000.