DENISE Trobe of Hovea, who loves racing and getting dressed up, is one of four women who had races named after them at Ascot on Wednesday leading up to International Women’s Day on Friday.
During her time as a member Ms Trobe has bred and raced thoroughbreds as well as pacers most of the time.
“I still have one racing at the moment – Zac Luvs to Fly – trained by Chris Stelmach at Bunbury,’’ she said.
She has had a long association with Robbie and Jody Gray the owners of Rangeview Stud, which used to be based at Bullsbrook.
“I’ve agisted – both harness and thoroughbreds – with Robbie and Jody for all of those years as well.
“From the races point of view there is probably nowhere else you can go where women can actually get really dressed up so that’s really nice.
“I actually always do (dress up) but I just love racing.’’
She said she didn’t like tokenism when it came to women whether it was in administration, work or things like International Women’s Day.
“I’ve worked all my life apart from the last two years. I had to actually resign due to cancer treatment and I’ve been an executive in the federal public service and there wasn’t obvious discrimination there, but basically there always has been and I did try to be a role model throughout all my promotions and positions.
“So International Women’s week is important – I didn’t understand it until a few years into my career and doing well in it, that people actually do need role models.
“For me International Women’s week, really I guess represents role models without it hopefully being a token thing, because there’s so many different weeks and different days celebrating something it’s almost every day is a day for something.’’
When Ms Trobe spoke to Echo News before the races she said she was really looking forward to the day.
Perth Racing said the International Women’s Day lunch recognised their four longest serving, female members.
“Perth Racing encourages inclusion for all, in enjoyment of a sport in which jockeys experience equal pay and gender equality,’’ a statement said.
