Jade Willis, pictured here with an off the track horse taking part in a parade through Melbourne’s CBD.
Racing Victoria retrainer’s work acknowledged at national industry awards
For almost two decades, Jade Willis has dedicated herself to working with thoroughbreds in the Australian and New Zealand horse racing industries.
Currently a Racing Victoria Acknowledged Retrainer, Jade won the ‘Thoroughbred Care and Welfare’ category at Godolphin’s Australian Stud & Stable Staff Awards last week.
At a ceremony on the Gold Coast last Wednesday (26 May) that honoured the tireless work that goes on behind the scenes to keep the racing and breeding world turning, the award was in acknowledgment of Jade’s rehoming and retraining of hundreds of thoroughbreds.
“I feel so lucky to have been nominated, so to make it this far was a huge thrill! We put a massive amount of hard work, blood, sweat and tears into what we do, and even though it’s my name on the trophy, I could not do it without my amazing team!” said Jade following the awards ceremony.
Jade and some of her team at the awards.
Jade has always had horses in her life but her love for thoroughbreds started in 2002 while still living in New Zealand. She left school to start working for trainer Dave Enright initially part-time, but it soon became apparent to Dave that Jade had an excellent work ethic and natural feel for handling racehorses, so Jade commenced full-time work with him and stayed for eight years until she moved to Australia in 2016.
Her recent award is not the firs time Jade has been recognised for her achievements with retired racehorses. Last year, she was also a top-five finalist for the Racing Victoria Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year award.
Now running JW Equestrian from her property in northern Victoria, Jade is an inspiring riding instructor, a passionate rider and dedicated thoroughbred retrainer and re-homer. At present, she is also part of Racing Victoria’s RESET Program and currently has Mumbo Jumbo in her care.
This article was written in conjunction with Racing Victoria.
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