TRACY NURSES RACING CROCKS BACK TO TRACK
TRACY Timbery has treated humans and horses but it her passion for the latter that led to her career in racing.
The Gold Coast-based trainer and nurse has an ability to succeed with tried horses in a career that has spanned three decades.
“My passion is with horses and I have got a wealth of knowledge,” Timbery said.
“I have broken-in horses, ridden in track work, jumped out of barriers.
“It’s a tough gig. You are always working at it and hoping for that one horse that might pave the way.”
Timbery had a desire to be a jockey in the 1980s but the lack of opportunity for women at the time led wellknown Randwick trainer Albert McKenna, who she was working for at the time, to suggest she follow in his footsteps.
The now 50-year-old spent the time working as a foreman for the likes of Gai Waterhouse and the Hawkes family over the next two decades.
It was her time helping rehabilitate some of owner Gerry Harvey’s horses between these stints where she first got a taste for working with broken down horses in Sydney.
Timbery took some time off from racing to complete a bachelor of nursing science and a master of midwifery and even spent time working in a Gold Coast hospital before deciding to become a trainer four years ago.
“I tinkered for a little after my nursing,” she said.
“I just had a few problem horses that I tried to patch together but then I thought I’d have a bit of a crack.
“The horses definitely complain less (than humans).”
“That would be my niche with these horses that are out of form and have issues.”
Timbery said the endless hours of work with struggling horses made it more special when they won.
“I’m happy for the horse. I always have to go and give them a big hug. I’m just rapt whenever they win,” she said.
Timbery has two horses in work, including Road To The Bay, a Chris Waller reject who she bought for $14,000 two years ago and has won twice with since.