Written In The Stars

Total 4 Posts

Written In The Stars - 'The ol’ horse racing itch came back'- Dave Appleton's remarkable ride

When Dave Appleton grew too big to continue as a jockey, the boy from Clermont catapulted to international fame as a world rodeo champion. Now firmly ensconced in Texas, he tells Jessica Owers how he found his way back to thoroughbreds.

Written in the Stars - ‘What else would I do if I wasn’t doing this?’ - Age won’t stop the remarkable Shirley Batten

Most people retire when they move to the Gold Coast, but Shirley Batten’s career as a horsewoman is still going strong at 93, 30 years after her relocation north. Jessica Owers spoke to Shirley about a lifetime spent in the company of horses.

Written In The Stars - Years of dedication and a Strand of fortune

Amid the dust and the sun of Australia's racetracks and sales grounds, Sharon Lee Chapman is always looking for her next great photo. In the next instalment of Written In The Stars, the award-winning photographer talks to Jessica Owers about life behind the lens.

Written In The Stars - Val Hayward's Magic journey

In the first of a new series, Jessica Owers chats to the recently retired Val Hayward about her 37 years with Magic Millions, her love of travel and the ever-changing nature of her own life and the thoroughbred industry which became her professional home.
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