‘A true titan of Australian racing, ‘Crewie’ stands as a symbol of dedication having devoted his life to the thoroughbred,’ voiced the Australian Stud & Stable Awards for 2023.
‘In celebrating a remarkable 70-year milestone marked by commitment and passion,’ the 86 year-old John ‘Crewie’ Brady is recipient of the highest honour, the Thoroughbred Excellence Award.
In also be awarded the Dedication to Racing Award, John Brady entered Tulloch Lodge at a 15 year-old to work for the legendary TJ Smith, of course the father of Gai Waterhouse.
“There can’t be many people in any industry who have worked with such dedication and loyalty as Crewie,” said Gai. “My father regarded him as one of the stable’s great assets, and so do I.”
Always a valued member of the Smith-Waterhouse dynasty since 1953, John’s association with Tulloch Lodge even predates the illustrious champion racehorse Tulloch after whom it was named.
Even arriving a year before the birth of the stable’s current proprietor Gai, he began with mucking-out and feeding, and was highly regarded for his trackwork riding well into his 50s.
‘He guided some of the greatest horses in Australian turf history along his unique path, solidifying his position as a trusted hand and his presence at Tulloch Lodge extends beyond his career.’
Gai Waterhouse describes John Brady as a ‘legend’ within the stable, and his enduring presence at extends beyond his remarkable career, remaining a beloved source of guidance and wisdom.
In fending-off Ian Smith of Annabel Neasham Racing, John collected $10,000 and an iconic trophy, while for the Dedicated to Racing, sponsored by the ATC, it was a second trophy and $5,000.
The self-confessed ‘family stray’ Kayleigh Walsh of Fernrigg Farm was the recipient of the Dedication to Breeding Award, sponsored by Magic Millions, in just pipping Joel Stewart of Yulong.
Growing up in Huntington UK, Kayleigh completed the 26-week National Stud course, and following a stint at Rushbrook Farm, it was onto Coolmore Australia and Hagyard Medical in Kentucky.
South African Emile Fredericks of Widden Stud took the Horsemanship Award, sponsored by Inglis, in being a highly successful yearling manager at Widden, and seven years with the Thompson’s.
In joining previous winners Adam Shankley of Arrowfield Stud and Mandy Radecker of Michael Lakey Racing for this Award, its his cousin Jason May who holds a similar position at Kambula Stud.
The VRC sponsored Leadership Award went to Irishman Sean Keogh of Godolphin, awarded in being Godolphin’s Assistant Trainer at the Melbourne stable following an earlier career as a jockey.
The effervescent Mary O’Neill of Newgate Farm had to hold-off Matt Harrington of Danny O’Brien Racing to claim the Administration and Ancillary Services Award, sponsored by the MRC.
Louise Abey, of Abey Performance Horses was acknowledged for the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award, while James Green of Armidale Stud was honoured as the Award’s Newcomer in 2023.
In applauding, the Federal Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor said ‘the love and hard work are rarely understood outside the industry,’ while Queensland Racing Minister Grace Grace praised ‘the dedication and devotion.’
Hosted by Racing Australia, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Godolphin, these SSS Awards are promoted by Channel 7 Horse Racing, ANZ Bloodstock News, Racing.com, RSN Radio, Sky Racing and TDN Australia & New Zealand.
