Trudie Clarke and Nicole Mutimer win at Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards

The accomplishments and work of two Top End horsewomen has been recognised with wins at a prestigious national awards ceremony. Read their reactions.

It was a champagne night for the Northern Territory racing industry when NT finalists Trudie Clarke and Nicole Mutimer both emerged victorious at the Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

The duo were the NT’s first ever representatives at the prestigious awards on the Gold Coast, and on Wednesday were named big winners.

Clarke won the Dedication to Racing Award (sponsored by the Australian Turf Club) and Mutimer the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award sponsored by Queensland Off The Track.

Clarke, with more than 50 years’ experience in the racing industry in the NT, carried off a $10,000 prize and trophy when getting the decision over Fiona Fletcher (Greg Eurell Racing, Victoria).

Peter McGuaran from the ATC presents the Dedication to Racing Award to Trudie Clarke of Thoroughbred Racing Northern Territory.

Mutimer, a full-time equestrian trainer/coach who operates the NT Institute of Equestrian Sport, was also awarded a $10,000 cash prize and trophy, with Julie Bramucci of Rafiki Equestrian (Victoria) runner-up.

“It is just a great honour to be nominated for such an award, but to win it is unbelievable,” Clarke said.

“I am very grateful to Thoroughbred Racing NT, who nominated both Nicole and myself – for both of us Humpty Doo girls to win made the night even more special.”

The Stud and Stable Staff Awards celebrated its 10th anniversary by recognising and honouring the exceptional contributions of staff from across the Australian thoroughbred industry.

Nicole Mutimer of the Northern Territory Institute of Equestrian Sport receives the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award from Kim Duffy of Queensland Off-The-Track.

Meanwhile, South Australian Hazel Fertier received the Horsemanship Award and subsequently the coveted Thoroughbred Excellence Award.

Finn McCarthy from McEvoy Mitchell Racing won the leadership award and Ngyrie Gonzalez from Western Australia took home the Dedication to Breeding Award.

Emma Cully from Star Thoroughbreds in New South Wales won the Administration and Ancillary Award, while the Newcomer Award was won by Isabelle Toole from Vinery Stud in the Hunter Valley.

NT racing pair recognised as finalists in national awards

The NT thoroughbred industry will be front and centre with Trudie Clarke and Nicole Mutimer among the finalists at the Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards ceremony.

The two Humpty Doo horsewomen are among 14 finalists across seven categories at the prestigious event held at The Star Gold Coast on May 26.

The pair were both nominated by Thoroughbred Racing NT for their achievements and longevity in the industry.

Clarke has been involved with Darwin racing for more than 50 years and is one of two finalists in the Dedication to Racing Award, sponsored by the Australian Turf Club.

Meanwhile, Mutimer is a full-time equestrian trainer and coach who will contest the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award, sponsored by Queensland Off The Track.

The Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards have been a beacon of recognition, appreciation and motivation for industry professionals over the past decade, sponsored by Racing Australia, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Godolphin.

Trudie Clarke is a finalist in the Dedication to Racing Award at the 2024 Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

The 14 finalists embody the dedication and passion that define the backbone of the racing industry and has demonstrated exceptional commitment and expertise in their respective roles.

Clarke has a resume chock full of industry experience having been a trackwork rider, jockey, trainer (along with her husband Gavin), long-time clerk of the course at Fannie Bay Racecourse.

And was until her recent retirement, the tutor for hundreds of young people in Certificates I and II in Stablehand at Taminmin College.

Many young people who have carved out a career in the racing industry have been under Clarke’s wing when developing their skills, including top Darwin apprentice Jade Hampson.

Clarke was the first woman inducted into the Darwin Racing Hall of Fame at the Top End Racing Awards held last September.

Mutimer established the NT Institute of Equestrian Sport (NTIES) in 2013 and has been retraining and rehabilitating Off The Track thoroughbreds for over 20 years.

Nicole Mutimer is a finalist in the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award at the 2024 Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

She travels extensively throughout the Territory and interstate providing coaching and training for horses and riders alike.

She constantly goes beyond the call of duty to support the welfare of thoroughbreds, and her passion and drive to provide this type of care is outstanding, especially in the sometimes difficult climate of the NT.

“Thoroughbreds are the ultimate sport horse, demonstrating great athleticism, trainability and versatility,” she said.

“My goal is to ensure that all horses I work with make a safe and happy transition to equestrian life. Well educated horses are guaranteed a good life after racing.”

The two NT representatives at the awards are the very first pair chosen by the judging panel to reach the final two in their categories, and given their tremendous backgrounds and achievements.

If they win they will also earn a $10,000 prize or a $3,000 prize should they finish second.