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WORDS: PHILLIP O’BRIEN

WOMEN IN RACING WERE RECOGNISED DURING NEWCASTLE JOCKEY CLUB’S ‘RACING MATES GET-TOGETHER’ STAGED ON FRIDAY 7TH MARCH

Racing Participants were brought together at a Racing Mates BBQ and get-together that was hosted at Newcastle Racecourse last Friday (7th March).

The first Racing Mates gathering for 2025 also recognised International Women’s Day and joined Newcastle Racecourse (Jockey Club) in celebrating the great contributions that women make to the racing industry.

Trainer Jack Pilkington tucks in alongside Racing Mates Ambassador, Rev Colin Watts at Newcastle’s Racing Mates BBQ

“Newcastle Racecourse fully supports the Racing Mates initiative, and we were delighted to be able to hold this event to raise awareness for this program,” said Newcastle Racecourse’s CEO, Duane Dowell.

A sausage sizzle brought smiles to the faces of many that attended with Racing Mates Ambassador, Reverend Colin Watts on hand with other volunteers to provide support.

“The BBQs are about bringing people together for a chat and letting them know that the Racing Mates program exists, and that Racing NSW are keen to provide for participants’ mental health,” Watts said.

“It’s important to get that message out there and we hope to see many more joining us at our future gatherings throughout the year.”

Racing Mates is a peer support initiative established by Racing NSW, empowering mates to look out for mates.

“The whole concept of the Racing Mates program is to encourage people to stop and talk to each other – especially mates to mates, and friends to friends,” said RM Ambassador, Pat Webster.

“Those who are suffering from anxiety or depression contact us and we put them in touch with professionals who can assist.”

Racing Mates host regular BBQ get-togethers across New South Wales country regions which assists those in the grassroots racing communities.

“These gatherings provide an important outlet to strappers, trainers and other participants who feel like their voices may not be heard,” Webster said.

“Our get-togethers are for a great cause and we couldn’t run them without the support of Provincial and Country Clubs.”

Further information about Racing Mates and its Ambassadors can be found at online at Racing Mates