Stephanie Alexander has been named as Sydney Strapper of the Year 2025-2026, as ‘an elite horsewoman with exceptional horse handling, horse breaking and riding skills.’
Presented at the NSW Racehorse Owners Association “Night of Champions,” ‘Stephanie has been an integral part of every stage of Cavanough Racing’s success and is very devoted.’
‘A tirelessly hard worker, she has a work ethic second to none, Stephanie is a fantastic leader and very capable individual who leads a successful team.’
‘Presentation of herself is always of the highest standard and after 13 years she is one of the most valued members of the team.’
Now in its 17th year, the Sydney Strapper of The Year is sponsored by Racing NSW and co-ordinated by Australian Racing Christian Chaplaincy, and is officiated by a panel of Racing NSW officials.
‘In recognising behind-the-scenes efforts by those strappers that tend to go beyond the call of duty, it’s a peer-nominated award with strappers who worked at metropolitan race meetings being invited to nominate who is deserving of the award.’
In Sydney during the 2025-2026 season Stephanie Alexander strapped in Sydney Chidiac, Wanaruah, Fingers Hunter, Warrior For Peace, Navy Steel and Shenandoah River.
Congratulations to all the finalists that were considered during 2025-26 with Christen Ercig-Wilson of Jack Pilkington Racing having strapped Bernen Win in Sydney and having moved seamlessly into a foreman role at Pilkington Racing five months ago.
Danielle Akon of John Sargent Racing strapped Nullarbor Jane, Casual Connection in Sydney last season, and is an outstanding strapper whose dedication, professionalism, and genuine passion for thoroughbred racing make her an exceptionally deserving recipient of the Sydney Award.
Garance Lathiere of Robert Quinn Racing strapped Ces Soirees La, Sunsource, Irish Jig, Wals and Me Mate and there is no more suitable candidate for this award than Garance, who’s passion and dedication for her horses and horse racing is unbelievable.
Jacob Anderson of Joe Pride Racing attended to Private Eye, King’s Secret and Accredited last season having joined the stable with no previous experience around horses, but through his dedication, work ethic, and genuine willingness to learn, he has developed into an outstanding strapper.
Jane Shaw of Karin Owen Racing strapped in Sydney this season: Fay’s Angels in Sydney last season, and having an exceptional depth of character she is very dedicated and straps voluntarily, usually every time I bring my metro runner, Fay’s Angels to town.
Kathleen Watts of Price-Kent Racing strapped Golden Path, La Fracas, Skycatcher and Bustling in Sydney this morning, and rain, hail or shine, she is the first stable-hand in the barn and the last to leave. No stone is left unturned whether it’s with the horses or keeping the barn clean.
Malak Singh for Chris Waller Racing and horses strapped in Sydney include Campione D’Italia, Soul Of Spain, Beiwacht and Tron Bolt, and few people embody the values of horsemanship, dedication and teamwork quite like Malak Singh.
Megan Booker for Angela Davies Racing has strapped Through The Cracks, Our Kobison, Salina Dreaming, Denham Star and Clipper, with Megan embodying everything that is exceptional about the thoroughbred racing industry.
Michael Harry of Peter Snowden Racing strapped Nitro, Amreekiyah, Dolce Dior last season in Sydney and over the past year Michael has shown outstanding dedication and commitment to the stable. He has developed tremendously, taking every opportunity to learn.