Cranbourne based trainer Nikki Burke has earned racing people’s respect with her horsemanship skills and she is pretty good at something else too; she has a keen eye for photography! Learn more about her with our QUICK QUESTIONS…
What is your first racing memory?
Werribee races, about five-years-old with Mum’s horse Midnight Cowboy. A big black stallion she trained and her throwing me up on him at the races!
Tell us a bit about your family racing background.
My Pop was a trainer, my Mum trained and then my stepdad Barry Burke trained as well.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
Not A Copy is my favourite horse. He was known by everyone as the ATM. He gave me 7 years of bringing me home a cheque & & then another 14 years as my Pony. The gift that kept giving
Who is the best horse you’ve been involved with?
Unpretentious.
And the best horse you have seen?
As a kid I’d say Kingston Town and the older me Winx.
Who do you admire most in racing?
I admire anyone who has a crack and can survive as a trainer.
Who is your ‘what if’ horse?
Unpretentious. Unsound everyday. He was a genuine Group 1 horse. Straight Ace the same; unsound, retired early after a Group 1 placing.
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
I think more emphasis needs to be put on welfare for retired racehorses.
Which horse currently racing would you love to train?
Mr Brightside, I love him.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
The funniest thing at the races is Testa Life at Wangaratta with Nikita Beriman on. She wouldn’t go and ended up about eight lengths behind the second last horse. I was standing there saying ‘pull her up’ and then Nikita got stuck into her and she stormed home and won. I don’t think we stopped laughing all the way home.
What is your favourite racing moment/biggest thrill?
Black Caviar winning at Ascot.
Biggest thrill Nautical winning a Listed race up the straight with Brian Higgins on her and Deane Lester winning a small fortune on her.
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
Photography and reading.
What is your favourite movie/book?
Movie: Dirty Dancer, book: Jessica by Bryce Courtney.
Best concert you’ve seen?
Lots of concerts, have all my faves but for sheer wow factor Lady Gaga was amazing.
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
Success is earned, not given.
Favourite food?
Italian.
Favourite racecourse?
Sale.
If you weren’t a racehorse trainer what would you be doing?
Maybe a photographer.
Some of Nikki’s photography:
