Cover image courtesy of Goldners Horse Transport
In today's instalment of 2022 Rapid Round, we feature a quick-fire round with Lucy Dwyer who is the NSW and QLD Operations Manager for Goldners Horse Transport.
TDN AusNZ: What is your background with horses and particularly the thoroughbred?
Lucy Dwyer: I first rode horses as a child, went through pony club and the like. My family have always been involved in breeding and racing so I have been surrounded by it from a young age.
I would regularly retrain our thoroughbreds that retired, for other disciplines, I think they are the most versatile breed and if you get a good one they really are so much fun on and off the track!
TDN AusNZ: What was your first job in racing?
LD: I guess my first official job in racing was this one! But I did do some sales prep for Macquarie Stud a long time ago.
TDN AusNZ: What pathways led you to become the NSW and QLD Operations Manager for Goldners Horse Transport?
LD: I’ve always loved the thoroughbred industry and racing, when the job with Goldners came up I was looking for a change so thought, why not work in the industry I love and am passionate about?
I started out as operations assistant at Goldners and have worked my way to the managers role over the last three years.
TDN AusNZ: Can you describe a normal day working with Goldners?
LD: Normal? There is no such thing in logistics!
My day regularly starts early with changes to the day's schedule, race scratchings and extra horses to be moved that day.
Every day is different but mainly involves scheduling raceday trucks for our clients, trucks moving horses to and from the spelling paddocks and organising interstate trucks. Sales and carnival seasons really ramp everything up to another level. Nothing is ever really set in stone and can change at the drop of a hat, which makes for a very fast-moving work environment.
It’s always nice to close the computer knowing everything is organised or the following day.
TDN AusNZ: What is a part of your job people wouldn’t expect?
LD: Oh wow, maybe how much my phone rings? And the time of the day/night it rings?
Horse transport is a 24/7 industry, there is always a truck on the road heading somewhere with precious cargo on board.
One of the Goldners Horse Transport trucks | Image courtesy of Goldners Horse Transport
TDN AusNZ: Do you have a truck licence? Is that part of your job?
LD: I do actually! I used to drive myself around in my truck to horse events.
It’s not part of my job but I suppose it’s a bonus if I did ever get stuck and needed a driver.
TDN AusNZ: What advice would you give to an aspiring person wanting to work in the racing and breeding industry?
LD: Definitely follow your passion, there are so many wonderful, new and exciting jobs in this industry. If you can find the right fit in the area you have an interest, you have nothing to loose.
I think a lot of people who don’t work in the industry are surprised by the opportunities available and how much they vary.
TDN AusNZ: What are you passionate about within the industry?
LD: I’m definitely passionate about horse welfare and rehoming after racing. It’s something the industry as a whole is doing a great job to improve on but we can always do better.
TDN AusNZ: What is your favourite horse that you have travelled?
LD: There really are so many, but I’d have to say Duca Valentinois (only because he is mine now).
I first saw Duca loading onto one of our interstate trucks one night and thought he was so gorgeous. When he retired, I likely hassled the poor team at Osborne Park so much they felt they had no choice but to let me have him.
Duca Valentinois (Ire) | Image courtesy of Lucy Dwyer
TDN AusNZ: If you could be one person in the industry for a day, who would that be and why?
LD: Maybe not a person in particular, but it would be fun to be a jockey for a day. It’s obviously a very risky profession but for me as a rider, it would just be the thrill of galloping a horse down a perfectly manicured track that would be exciting.
TDN AusNZ: Do you have a bucket list of industry events you would like to tick off?
LD: I feel I’ve crossed many off over the years, having been to plenty of the large racedays and sales. I would love to get to the Magic Millions Polo next year. Internationally, now we are allowed to travel, Ascot is on the list for sure.
TDN AusNZ: What kept you occupied during last year’s lockdowns, aside from work?
LD: Working from home during lockdowns gave me much more time to ride my horse which was a nice change, that was something that made it all tolerable, being able to get out of the house every day.
