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For Hannah, it’s all about the horses

A simple love of horses – nurtured from an early age – is driving Hannah Matthews’ ambition for a career in the thoroughbred racing industry.

Hannah, 19, is a deputy race-day steward with Thoroughbred Racing SA, working two to three days a week at various metropolitan and provincial meetings across the state – and she can’t get enough of it.

“I’ve been riding ever since I could walk, starting with pony clubs and riding lessons, then building up to pleasure riding in my spare time,” she said.

“My passion for thoroughbreds is due to both sides of my family being involved in the sport for the past three generations, as chief stewards, stewards, trainers, owners and strappers.

“I’ve always been an animal person… and I’m captivated by each horse’s individuality, strength and grace.”

Illustrating Hannah’s determination to forge a career in the industry is her willingness to regularly make the long round trip from her home – outside of Strathalbyn – into Adelaide, then onto various meetings around the state.

Her professional race-day role is to assist the chairman of stewards and her tasks include identification inspections on thoroughbreds, and carrying out pre-race and post-race blood and urine swabs as directed. The samples are then analysed by a laboratory to detect any prohibited substances.

“This is to uphold the integrity of racing and to give the public confidence when investing their money on the thoroughbred horses,” Hannah said.

“These measures are to ensure that racing is drug free and that the sport is on a level playing field.

“I am also required to check the race-day gear on horses in the parade ring prior to racing.”

Hannah’s enjoyment of her TRSA role again underlines the opportunities for women in the thoroughbred racing industry, both on the track – including as jockeys or trainers – or behind the scenes.

“Since commencing my employment two years ago with TRSA I have been more than welcomed and have earned the respect from all the participants,” she said.

“In today’s society there are many females who hold different positions in racing, ranging from trainers, to jockeys, to stable hands, strappers and stewards.

“At my age it is common for the people to commence their career in the horse racing industry to learn their trade.

“My career aspirations are to become a cadet steward within TRSA. By becoming a cadet I will be able to extend my knowledge and understanding of the racing industry, which will hopefully lead to possible future opportunities in overseas positions in the thoroughbred racing.”

Hannah is something of a dark horse herself, holding Certificates 1, 2 and 3 in Hospitality, a responsible service of alcohol ticket, and a Certificate 2 in Retail Cosmetics – making her a qualified make-up artist.

In addition, in 2018 she received a Youth Opportunities scholarship to help further her education. However, despite the extra strings to her bow, her long-term goal remains securing a permanent role within her field of passion.

“Thoroughbred racing is a great industry to be involved in,” she said.

“My advice to others, like myself, is if you are passionate about the thoroughbred racing then you should pursue it…”

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