BULLSBROOK resident Lois Taylor was one of the state’s first ever female racehorse trainers and her memory was honoured at a service last week.

Ms Taylor was born November 11, 1934 and died on May 24 this year.

Her granddaughter Brittany Taylor who has become a well-known media personality in the racing world said the family story began when nanny went to buy a horse from grandpa.

“Nanny first met grandpop when she was looking for a horse for the hunts,” she said.

“She only had a modest budget and heard Mick was selling a horse by the name of Meltor’s Glory.

“She went to view the horse, liked the look of it and grandpop liked the look of her.

“Somehow a deal was struck, she paid £10 for the horse and went on to win the Hunter’s Cup with him, beating all of the ‘toffs from Dalkeith’ who had spent a fortune on their horses.

“Bargain buys would eventually become a hallmark of nanny and grandpop, always looking for value.”

Michael and Lois Taylor arrived at Middle Swan in 1959 to manage the Jane Brook Stud for thoroughbreds.

With a growing young family, they went from managing the stud for trotting promoter John Peter Stratton to purchasing part of it after he passed.

The Taylors moved to Bullsbrook in 1989 to continue their thoroughbred interests.

They eventually bought a property in Bullsbrook which the family now know simply as the farm.

“The records will tell you nanny’s training journey started when she was officially first granted her trainers license in 1977, but we all know it began long before,” Brittany said.

“In what she called the worst kept secret, she was training horses under the names of men because women were forbidden.

“The pacers would race under grandpop’s name and the thoroughbreds under the name of Frank Maynard.

“Sitting across from (former Perth Racing chairperson and Lord Mayor of Perth) Sir Ernest Lee Steere and asking to be licensed, she was told three words that have become famous, ‘Never, never, never’.

“She would eventually break through the barrier that would shape the sport for decades to come.”

Her trailblazing contribution to the industry would eventually earn Ms Taylor a lifetime achievement award in Western Australian racing.

Tributes following her death highlighted her success as a trainer and the respect she earned in the industry.

One tribute described her as “a natural horsewoman” who combined hard work and professionalism with an elegant and cheerful nature in a sport that could be demanding and fiercely competitive.

Another remembered her as an “outstanding, honest and professional horse woman” who was highly regarded by all who knew her.

Despite her achievements on the track, Brittany said family remained at the centre of Ms Taylor’s life.

A mother of three, grandmother of six and great-grandmother of eight, she was known for keeping an open door at the family farm, where visitors were always welcome for a cup of tea and a chat.

For Brittany, her grandmother’s legacy extended well beyond racing.

“As successful as she was as a horsewoman, trainer and owner, her greatest achievement wasn’t measured in winners,” she said.

“It was the respect she earned and the lives she touched.”