Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) today announced the winners of the 2021 Ladies of Racing Awards, celebrating the diverse roles of women in the thoroughbred racing industry.
The awards showcase women’s achievements in the categories of Leadership, Dedication to Thoroughbred Racing, Welfare and Administration.
The 170 attendees saw one of the State’s iconic racing personalities, Brittany Taylor, win the Ladies of Racing Leadership Award.
As the daughter of highly respected Western Australian trainer and former jockey Jim Taylor, and the granddaughter of racing matriarch Lois Taylor, Brittany’s background is entrenched in the State’s racing history.
The quintessential racing ambassador, Brittany spent much of her time running alongside the track at Ascot, cheering on the family’s horses.
Brittany has carved out a successful media career across multiple platforms including Sky Racing, TABradio, Perth Racing and Network 10, where she became the first female to provide mounted race day coverage in 2019.
A passionate advocate of thoroughbred racing in Western Australia, Brittany is a deserving winner of the Leadership Award.
Ellie Giles was the recipient of the Dedication to Thoroughbred Racing Award.
As a highly successful Western Australian breeder, Ellie has had over 50 years of direct involvement with the industry.
Ellie owns and runs Korilya Stud, which has produced some of the State’s best thoroughbred horses including Silent Sedition, Quilista, Man Booker and Red Can Man.
Much of this success is attributed to Ellie’s unwavering support and passion for the industry, continuing her family’s legacy to produce fantastic results and dedicating much of her time to the growth of the industry.
Jo-Anne Leeson was recognised for her outstanding work in the care of retired racehorses, winning the Ladies of Racing Welfare Award.
Jo-Anne is a widely travelled trainer who has earned high praise for bringing out the inner star in mature horses. Her passion for rehoming retired racehorses has seen Jo-Anne become a respected horse educator of all ages.
Originally from Esperance, she has spent much of the past decade working her way around Western Australia with a team of horses since taking out her trainer’s license in 2006 and continues to be held in high regard amongst the State’s thoroughbred racing industry.
Tania Graves, Business Development Manager at Perth Racing, was the winner of the Ladies of Racing Administration Award.
Tania’s passion for exceptional customer service and precision to detail is highlighted daily in her role at the State’s metropolitan racing club, Perth Racing.
Over the past two years, Tania has excelled in her role and has been pivotal in the promotion and expansion of sponsorship and business relationships for Perth Racing.
RWWA General Manager Racing Charlotte Mills said she was proud to recognise the important contribution of women in the industry and acknowledge their excellent work as ambassadors for the sport.
“We are lucky to have so many outstanding women make a significant impact on the Western Australian thoroughbred racing industry,” Charlotte said.
“These women continue to make their mark within the industry and we are thrilled to be able to come together today to celebrate and applaud their achievements.”
The 2021 Ladies of Racing Awards were held at Mandoon Estate, Caversham.
