The 2025 Magic Millions Racing Women supported by TAB Achievement Awards will recognise the contribution of the Thoroughbred Industry’s Extraordinary Women by State, Territory & Nationally.
24 OCTOBER 2024
Magic Millions today announced online nominations have opened for the Magic Millions Racing Women (MMRW) supported by TAB Achievement Awards for 2025, continuing to recognise the outstanding contribution and achievements of women in the Australian thoroughbred industry.
In just its second year, the MMRW Awards will shine a broader light on the depth of talented women in the industry by taking a state and territory-based approach to national recognition with the introduction of the following Awards;
● 2025 Racing Woman of the Year – Queensland
● 2025 Racing Woman of the Year – NSW & ACT
● 2025 Racing Woman of the Year – Victoria
● 2025 Racing Woman of the Year – TAS & SA
● 2025 Racing Woman of the Year – WA & NT
Winners will be recognised at a star studded gathering of thoroughbred industry identities and Award finalists at a celebratory dinner on Friday 3 January 2025, during the two-week equine extravaganza that is The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival.
The five exceptional women chosen across the state-based national categories will each receive a $10,000 Racing Women scholarship from TAB.
Magic Millions co-owner and founder of Magic Millions Racing Women, Katie Page-Harvey said, “Magic Millions is the crossroads of all Australian thoroughbred industry stakeholders; breeders, trainers, owners, buyers, jockeys and their horses. We see first-hand – women are fundamental to the success of every facet.
“This year we will expand our recognition of the exceptional contribution of women in the thoroughbred industry across the country. More women, who too often prefer to ‘fly under the radar,’ will be rewarded for the role they play in an industry that contributes over $9 billion to the Australian economy.
“Please nominate the woman or women you see day-to-day who innovate and elevate the performance and standards of excellence within the thoroughbred industry. Allow us to thank them and provide a platform so that their work can inspire the next generation of thoroughbred industry professionals.”
2024 Racing Women Hall of Fame Award winners Gai Waterhouse and Denise Martin will join the judging panel which will also include Magic Millions Racing Women long-time Patron, Zara Tindall, MBE and Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page-Harvey.
Tabcorp’s Chief Customer Officer Jenni Barnett and panel judge said, “TAB is so proud to partner with Katie and Magic Millions to celebrate women right across the racing industry who make such an important contribution to racing,’’ she said.
“We’re particularly excited to see the awards broaden this year. As Katie says, so many women prefer to fly under the radar and the Magic Millions Racing Women supported by TAB Achievement Awards provides a platform to promote the amazing contribution of women throughout the industry.
“At TAB we can’t wait to work with Magic Millions and the Gold Coast Turf Club to grow, innovate and promote the carnival. They’re two of the most progressive brands in racing and we are so excited to again support the 2025 carnival. “
Inaugural winner of the 2024 National Racing Woman of the Year Award, Lindy Maurice, was recognised for her tireless efforts to develop career prospects within racing as the founder of Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), providing education pathways for school-leaver entry into the industry, and more recently its expansion to include a National Pony Racing series.
Lindy recently utilised her award scholarship from TAB by conducting a tour of the UK’s leading pony racing entities, which grew the idea for the enhanced local program for the upcoming year.
In 2025, Lindy’s initiative will see the concept evolve into a broadened program of ‘Jumpstart Weekends’ which will consist of a two-day event open to Pony Club Australia members of all ages and any size pony or horse.
Lindy Maurice said, “Winning this incredible award was overwhelming, and I will be forever grateful. It afforded me the opportunity to travel abroad and review similar programs firsthand, which is invaluable when you are creating something from scratch. The learnings from this trip have now helped shape Season 2 of Pony Racing in Australia.
“Our industry owes a lot to Katie Page and what she has created over the Magic Millions carnival, she is an incredible person and a champion for women in business and in sport.”
Nominations for the 2025 edition of the Magic Millions Racing Women supported by TAB Achievement Awards close at midnight (AEST) on Wednesday 20 November, 2024. The online nomination form and terms and conditions are available at https://www.magicmillions.com.au/achievement-awards/general-information/
Magic Millions Racing Women
Magic Millions proudly introduced the world-first Magic Millions Racing Women’s Bonus in 2012 as an incentive to drive growth and participation in racehorse ownership amongst women. $750,000 in Racing Women’s Bonuses are now on offer each year at The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday across two $3 million feature races.
Zara Tindall MBE is the Patron of Magic Millions Racing Women.
Over 2,000 thoroughbreds have been registered as all-female owned or leased since inception. More than $20 million is spent every year at Magic Millions Yearling Sales on the purchase of horses that register for MMRW – and this benefits the industry at all levels from the breeder through to the strapper on raceday.
Fifty-eight 2YOs owned or leased by women have run to date in The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic and in 12 years, female owned horses have won the race five times as well as provided two second place-getters.
More than 80 trainers have been engaged to train the all-female owned or leased racehorses Australia-wide and New Zealand.
Saturday 11 January 2025 will be the thirteenth year that a Racing Women’s Bonus has been awarded on The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday.
