Three of South Australian racing’s unsung heroes have been recognised as finalists in the Strapper/Stablehand of the Year Award.
Tracy Cox who works for David Jolly, Samantha Cahill from the Jon O’Connor stable and Mollie Knowles who is a member of the Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas operation are the three vying for the inaugural award, which will be announced at this weekend’s Racing SA Industry Awards.
Cox has spent a lifetime in horse racing, after originally trying her hand at becoming an apprentice jockey and has been a key member of Jolly’s Goolwa stable for a number of years.
“It’s a once in a lifetime job for me,’’ Cox said.
“The way David trains, the way he respects the horse and how content the horses are. It’s everything I love.
“The thoroughbred is my life, it’s hard to put into words how much I love my job.
“I think it’s wonderful there is an award like this, it can be a thankless job, to be nominated is great,’’ she said.
Samantha Cahill is the sister-in-law of O’Connor where she has been a crucial part of his stable for 18 years and said just being nominated was a huge thrill.
“I love my job,’’ Cahill said.
“Jon doesn’t say much, so for him to nominate me is very special, I love the horses and it would mean the world to me,’’ she said.
O’Connor said Cahill was a vital cog in their operation.
“When you’re dealing with livestock it’s a seven day a week job,’’ O’Connor said.
“Sam always been willing to go above and beyond, we’d be pretty stuck without her,’’ he said.
Knowles is the race day coordinator for the Macdonald/Gluyas team and along with being an outstanding horseperson, has a passion for rehoming thoroughbreds.
“They’ve given me so many opportunities, every day I learn something new,’’ Knowles said.
Gluyas said Knowles was not only asset to the stable but to the racing industry.
“Mollie has been with us a long time now, she’s committed to the industry,’’ Gluyas said.
“She takes up all roles, she’s excellent at the races and I lean a lot on her, she pretty much does everything.
“She understands the horse, her horse skills are excellent, and she stands well in the industry,’’ he said.
