Popular racehorse owner Julie Godfrey has been appointed Executive Officer of Thoroughbreds Breeders’ WA.
Godfrey admits to knowing how to read a form-guide before she could write her name growing up in Glasgow. That’s always a plus in racing and another positive on her CV is a managerial career spanning 20 years in healthcare administration.
Julie and her husband Alan arrived in Australia in 2012 with their son Cole and eventually settled on the coast 60km south of Perth. “I had been commuting from Glasgow to London for about three years and it was getting to be a bit of a strain being away from home,” she recalled. “Then I met a producer while being filmed for One Born Every Minute at work. He thought our story sounded perfect for another show Wanted Down Under as both of our occupations were in demand in Australia (Midwife and Electrician).
“They sent us to Secret Harbour and, at first, we treated it like a holiday. But we grew to love it so much, we decided to stay and have been here ever since.”
Thoroughbreds are a part of Julie’s DNA through both grandfathers. One was a bookmaker, the other predominantly a trainer who offered agistment and occasionally breaking. “I used to ride regularly as a youngster,” she recalled. “Dad worked on the oil rigs at Abu Dhabi and Mum was a nurse so I spent a lot of time at the farm.”
TBWA Executive Officer Julie Godfrey (second from right) with members of the Bloodstock & Six Smoking Midwives Syndicate: Photo / Western Racepix
Like everyone beguiled by thoroughbred racing, Julie wants the industry to keep progressing while also reflecting our love of the horse at a time when there are many misguided souls out there who want to shut us down.
She knows how to mediate, too. That comes with the territory as a former employee of Rangers Football Club living at close quarters with a Celtic fanatic named Alan.
Julie is a fan of the ‘Own The Dream’ concept and was a member of the all ladies syndicate that finished third in this year’s competition. Registered as the Bloodstock & Six Smoking Midwives, their $10,000 prize was invested into shares of the Long Leaf – Hussh Baby colt (Lot 77) and Safeguard – Tej colt (Lot 177) at the Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale in February.
Both colts are with Pearce Racing and Julie is friends with Dan’s wife Danelle and Ben’s wife Chloe. The Safeguard colt is a stablemate of Safeguard’s brilliant 2yo filly Sinful Living who won twice at Ascot this season while banking $250,000 and prompting several celebrations for a Pearce Racing Ladies Syndicate that includes Julie.
Influencing (Oratorio) is another stablemate who has more than paid his way earning $185,000 from wins at Pinjarra, Ascot (2) and Belmont in February – March. Ryan Hill also prepares Rommel winner Rommel’s Angel for a syndicate that includes Julie and the mare has residual value at stud being out of a half-sister to LR Perth Stakes winner Terror Force (Al Maher).
“The committee is thrilled to have secured someone with the skills, experience and passion of Julie,” TBWA President Fiona Lacey said. “She’s just a great fit for us, and we’re confident she will be a hit with the members as well. We’re really looking forward to working with her and watch this space for some exciting upcoming events!”
