Cook excited to join the team at TBV

Written by Trent Masenhelder

Cover image courtesy of Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria

The beginning of the new racing season coincided with a significant milestone at Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV), with Kellie Cook beginning her tenure as executive officer.

Cook, who has replaced Charmein Bukovec, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the position. She has spent her entire professional career in the racing industry, starting as an apprentice jockey with trainer Terry Kelly at St Leonards (near Geelong in Victoria).

Cook was forced to give it away as she became too tall, but continued to ride trackwork before starting as a workplace trainer and assessor with Racing Victoria, where she worked with David Charles.

Before joining TBV, Cook was the General Manager of Racing and Breeding Services at Racing Australia, a position she held for six years.

Between 2013 and 2016, Cook was the Australian representative for London-based Bloodstock company Eclipse Equine Advisory. Prior to that, Cook was a senior lecturer at Melbourne Polytechnic (formally Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE) where she taught racing courses, including Certificate II in Racing (Stablehand) and Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer).

Cook believes the skills she has acquired lend themselves to her new role.

"I've been interested in horses all my life. I grew up in Pambula in New South Wales and had a pony since I was eight years old, which I had for nearly 30 years in the end; she was an incredible pony. I've just always had that love for horses, whether it be the racing or breeding side, it's just a general love for horses; I really enjoy being around them," Cook told TDN AusNZ.

"Since I've worked at Racing Australia, I actually haven't ridden. I rode trackwork for well over 20 years. Even while I was working at the TAFE, I continued to ride trackwork because I have that love and passion for horses themselves… it's the love of the horse.

"Because I spent my entire career working in racing, breeding was sort of the next step, I suppose, for me, it was the next challenge. I was able to go into that role as general manager of racing and breeding services at Racing Australia, so that's where that passion started. I was able to work there with Jacqueline Stewart– the keeper of the Australian Stud Book – and that’s when it really started, and when this job came up at TBV I thought, 'What a perfect next step'.

"Meeting (TBV President) James (O’Brien) and the rest of the board… they're just so passionate about what they do and have such a desire in wanting to make the breeding industry the best it's ever been. The passion from them was just a real standout for me and I thought, ‘I just need to be a part of this’.

Now in her third week, Cook has been busy since commencing at TBV. She has been and will continue to attend a number of stallion parades in Victoria and New South Wales. Cook will also spend time at the coalface, working with stud farm staff through the breeding season, with the aim being to better understand how TBV can support them.

"It will help me get an idea of what exactly is going on, how can we make things better for people? When it comes to mental health and those sorts of things. There's always things that we can do. There's lots of focus at the moment, from education, equine welfare, staff mental health… all of those types of things," Cook explained.

TBV President, James O’Brien, said the organisation is rapt to have someone with Cook's skills and experience.

"Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria is ecstatic to have Kellie Cook taking on the role as executive officer," O'Brien commented.

"Along with a wealth of knowledge across breeding and racing, Kellie brings strong leadership skills to this role and will promote the interests of our Victorian breeders."