From veterinarians, to jockeys, kennel hands, trainers, trackwork riders and many more, the State’s $1.3 billion racing sector offers diverse career opportunities for a range of skillsets.
More than 25,000 people are involved in WA’s racing industry across a range of roles.
One of those important roles is that of a track curator, who is responsible for preparing thoroughbred racecourses to ensure racing is safe for animals and participants.
Harry Quigley, is an apprentice and part of Pinjarra Race Club’s track and ground management team, helping manage the iconic track located at the base of the Darling Scarp.
“Our main priority is maintaining the track,” Harry said.
“It’s really important that we maintain the track in a great condition, which is a consistent and reliable surface for the jockeys and horses.”
Harry joined the ground staff at Pinjarra Race Club in 2017 as a casual worker, before starting his apprenticeship a couple of years later at South Metropolitan TAFE in Murdoch when going full-time.
He was acknowledged as an up-and-comer of the sports turf industry at the WA Turf Industry Awards on March 20, winning the Clements Hambleton Memorial Shield.
Harry is also shortlisted as a finalist for Sports Turf Association WA’s Sports Turf Graduate of the Year.
“There are many small things that go in to making each race day happen, which often people don’t think about when they are enjoying the races,” Harry explained.
“A lot of work goes into preparing a track before a race day, including moving the rail so the horses are running on a fresh pad.
“Repairing the track after a meeting can take a day or two. We walk it, fill the divots, mow and treat it, as needed.
“I want to keep expanding my skills and experience and one day in the future be track manager here at Pinjarra.”
Find out more about the many career opportunities racing has to offer on our Racing Careers page.