Australia Day Awards for Prominent Racing Women

Trainer Gai Waterhouse and trailblazing jockey Michelle Payne were recognised in the Australia Day awards, reports racing.com. Waterhouse was awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia (OA) medal, while Payne was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). "It's a great sport and something I've grown up with, something that I love and been passionate about my whole life so to receive a reward in honour of that is really special to me," Melbourne Cup-winning Payne said after being recognised for her service to the racing industry. "I feel really proud and honoured to receive it. To be going into that stage of being a role-model for the younger generation coming through – people with dreams. Showing people that anything is possible if you are prepared to work really hard and persevere through the tough times. That's what makes me really proud and if anyone can gain anything from that, it would be really special to me." Waterhouse was acknowledged for her distinguished service to the thoroughbred racing industry as leading trainer and as a role model for young women. "Just young people in general really; I like being around young people, I love to see them achieve and I love to see them do well," Waterhouse told racing.com. "They're the lifeblood of any industry, so it's important they're given every possible opportunity and to help in whatever might be the roadway they need to go." Also recognised was Dr John McCaffrey with a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to veterinary science and equine welfare; Colin McKenna with a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the Warrnambool Racing Club, and Ross Burridge with a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the Tasmanian racing industry.

Gai Waterhouse received a Officer of the Order of Australia (OA) medal (pic: Steve Hart)