The Lady of Racing Award
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Committee Room, Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne Racing Club
The Victorian Wakeful Club present their Annual 'Lady of Racing Award Lunch'
A Celebration of International Women's Day*, the award lunch serves as a premium, purpose-led industry gathering and a natural prelude to the week's broader themes of recognition, leadership, progress AND 'Balancing the Scales' which is the 2026 theme.
The event will be followed by:
Caulfield Heath Twilight Race Meeting
The history of the award
The Lady Of Racing award was established by the founder of the Victorian Wakeful Club Inc., Mrs Marie McCullough along with Mrs Marcia Hill in 1993.
The aim of the award was to recognise the achievements & contributions of women in the thoroughbred racing & breeding industry, as well as to encourage further involvement of women within the industry.
The Inaugural Award was a gala black tie dinner held at Moonee Valley Racing Club in May 1994 & was presented to Mrs Robin Levett. In more recent years, the Lady of Racing Awards has been held on the 8th March to coincide with International Women’s Day.
2025
Lady of Racing
Award Winner
Vicky was recognised for her unwavering passion and commitment to the Victorian racing industry. As the driving force behind Kick Collective, she has championed inclusivity, well-being, and opportunity across the racing community. Through initiatives like Kick Up For Racing, Vicky provides vital support and resources to ensure everyone in the industry can thrive. Her innovative leadership and dedication have inspired countless individuals and strengthened the racing community as a whole.
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The Lady of Racing
Award Honour Roll
1993/94 - ROBIN LEVETT
1994/95 - SHELLEY HANCOX
1995/96 - JOANNE SPIERS
1996/97 - ANNE CARLYON
1997/98 - HELEN CANTWELL
1998/99 - EMMA BOLING
1999/2000 - VICTORIA ARMSTRONG
2000/01 - KERRY GILLESPIE
2001/02 - JEAN PURCELL
2002/03 - NOT AWARDED
2003/04 - ANDREA LEEK
2004/05 - MAJELLA BALLANTINE
2005/06 - MARGARET LUCAS
2006/07 - WENDY KELLY
2007/08 - PAULINE LISTON
2008/09 - FRAN HOULAHAN
2009/10 - LEONIE BIBBY
2010/11 - MICHELLE PAYNE
2011/12 - PENNY REEVE
2012/13 - CHRISTIE WOODARD
2014/15 - GAYE GAUCI MARCHANT
2016 - CHERYL MCCARTHY
2017 - BARBARA SAUNDERS
2018 - AMANDA ELLIOTT
2019 - CHRISTINE PULS
2020 - FIONA MCINTYRE
2021 - JAMIE KAH
2022 - CINDY ALDERSON
2023 - JENNIFER HUGHES
2024 - NATALIE YOUNG
Nominations for 2026 are now open
We invite you to recognise an outstanding woman whose impact on the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry truly deserves to be celebrated.
Nominees should demonstrate strong knowledge within their field and a genuine passion and commitment to the industry that goes above and beyond what is expected in their role. They are respected both personally and professionally, admired by their peers for their integrity, contribution, and character. An ideal candidate is an inspiration to others within the industry and is willing to act as an Ambassador for the Lady of Racing Award and the Victorian Wakeful Club, including occasional personal appearances and media opportunities.
Nominations close at COB Wednesday 18 February 2026
Judging
All nominations will be rigorously assessed by a panel of highly respected industry leaders, drawn from senior roles across racing, breeding, ownership, media and administration.
These judges bring deep expertise, integrity and independent perspective, ensuring every nomination is considered thoughtfully and on merit. Being shortlisted or selected is a mark of genuine distinction, we encourage nominators to put forward candidates with confidence, knowing each submission will receive the highest level of professional scrutiny.
The Event
Victorian Wakeful Club present their Annual 'Lady of Racing Award Lunch' in the Caulfield Committee Room, a celebration of the extraordinary contribution and participation of women in the thoroughbred racing industry.
A Celebration of International Women's Day*, the award lunch serves as a premium, purpose-led industry gathering and a natural prelude to the week's broader themes of recognition, leadership, progress AND 'Balancing the Scales' which is the 2026 theme.
The event will be followed by:
Caulfield Heath Twilight Race Meeting,
Wednesday 4th March 2026
*International Women's Day Sunday 8 March 2026
Ticket pricing
• $270 (inc GST) — Victorian Wakeful Club Members
• $295 (inc GST) — Non-members
• Table of 10 ~ $2950
Your ticket includes:
• All-inclusive three course plated luncheon
• Premium beverage package (excluding spirits)
• Caulfield Committee Room Location
• Awards Presentation + Live Entertainment
• Private tote facilities + Complimentary race book
• Special Guests + Prizes + More...
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the 32nd Lady of Racing Award.
Wednesday 4 March 2026 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM (UTC+11)
Location
Committee Room
Caulfield Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield VIC 3162