Don’t take yourself too seriously, is Vicky’s advice

With Women’s Day coming up on Wednesday, Racing Express will use the month focusing on women in horseracing. Ken Nicol had a chat to Tellytrack presenter and former jockey Vicky Minott.

What is your field of responsibility within the sport of horse racing? I was a jockey for eight years, and am now employed by Tellytrack as a presenter. I also do PR and admin work for trainer Glen Kotzen

What is it about your involvement that you love, or are passionate about? My love and inspiration for this game has always come from the horse. I have ridden from the age of six, and have always adored horses.

As a woman, do you go about your work any differently from your male counterparts? If so, how? Yes as a woman you have to work harder to prove yourself and be taken seriously. A good sense of self is essential.

Do you take inspiration from other women, even historical figures outside of racing? If so, who and why? As a jockey role model English rider Hayley Turner – she is talented and is a real personality which has taken her far. I’m glad she has resumed her riding career. Another woman I take inspiration from is Candice Bass-Robinson.

She holds her position with dignity and respect, and being the first woman to train a July winner in her first season as a trainer was a remarkable feat.

What advice do you have for women wanting to get into the sport of horseracing? First of all do it for the right reasons. Have a good sense of self, and don’t take yourself too seriously!

What words of inspiration do you have for other South African women? Find inspiration from good places, celebrate being a woman, and just as importantly celebrate other women, and lift them up, don’t put them down.