Cranbourne trainer Nikki Burke (right) with her sister Sally-Anne Marshall and upcoming galloper Suddenly I See. Nikki has been nominated for the prestigious Lady of Racing award. 21335
By Glen Atwell
CRANBOURNE sisters Nikki Burke and Sally-Anne Marshall are taking the thoroughbred industry by storm.
Nikki, a successful trainer, is one of nine women recently nominated for the prestigious Victorian Wakeful Club Lady of Racing award.
Sally-Anne, a track rider turned catwalk model, was named fashion ambassador for Country Racing Victoria last month.
There’s no doubt that Nikki and Sally-Anne’s passion for the industry runs in the family.
Nikki has been nominated for the Lady of Racing award alongside eight other influential women.
They include Clare Lindop, the first female jockey to ride in the Melbourne Cup and the first female to ride a Group 1 winner in Australia and Caroline Searcy, TVN sports presenter and producer.
Margaret McDonald, a driving force behind the success of multiple Group 1 winner Weekend Hussler is also in the running for the award.
The Lady of Racing award aims to recognise the achievements of nominees and encourage participation of women working in the racing industry.
The winner will be announced at Caulfield Racecourse on Wednesday 8 October.
Nikki said it was both a surprise and a thrill to be nominated.
“I couldn’t believe it when I found out I was a finalist,” she said.
“It’s great to be recognised alongside other amazing women.”
“I’m looking forward to the event next month,” Nikki said.
The Lady of Racing award has a close Cranbourne connection, with trainers Wendy Kelly and Jean Purcell both past winners.
Nikki has a number of promising two-year-olds in work at the moment, but is having dramas with her best horse Stately Spirit.
“My best horse has a virus and has been a little flat lately, so we’re working on getting him back to his best,” she said.
Meanwhile, on the catwalk, her sister Sally-Anne is looking forward to the fashions on the field contest on Cranbourne Cup day.
Sally-Anne is a past winner of the event, and is looking to win her second local title.
