Kelly’s career in racing taking her on a wild ride

From the saddle to an office desk, or behind the barriers in Broome to multi-million-dollar stud farms in New South Wales, Kelly Chapman is enjoying her ride in racing.

On weekdays, Kelly is a Customer Service Officer at Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s Osborne Park head office, while she can also be found at times at regional racecourses across the State working as a barrier attendant.

“The two roles are definitely very different, but I really enjoy both of them,” Kelly said.

“The basic description of a barrier attendant is getting the horses and jockeys into the barriers safely, but it isn't quite that simple. 

“Everything can happen very quickly and can become very precarious, so you have to remain alert and focused. 

“There is a lot of horsemanship and intuition involved… having the know-how to be able to control a 400kg to 500kg animal is very important in the role.

“I love the job and the barrier team is so close, we trust one another a lot.”

Kelly started riding as a five-year-old, after she was introduced to horses by her mum.

“My mum used to ride, so she put me in lessons as soon as I was old enough – I fell in love with the sport and never stopped,” Kelly said.

In 2020, Kelly undertook her first racing job as a trackwork rider at Perth Cup winning trainer David Harrison’s stables.

After 15 months with Harrison, Kelly moved to News South Wales to explore other careers in racing and joined the famed Arrowfield Stud.

Kelly said working alongside renowned sires Snitzel and Dundeel at Arrowfield’s Segenhoe Valley property, which has produced the likes of Miss Finland and Lankan Rupee, was valuable.

“I was lucky enough to live on the farm and work mainly with the yearlings doing the Magic Millions and Inglis sales preparations,” Kelly said. 

“I was given so many opportunities to learn, from assisting in the stallion barn to being called if a mare was giving birth and attending seminars with leading bloodstock agents.

“Although I was only there for five months, it was definitely a valued experience which I’ll never forget.”

Upon returning to WA, Kelly worked at Gervase Park Stud and Belvoir Equine Hospital, and is now with RWWA.

While admitting her working life can be busy at times, Kelly said horses were a major part of her working and personal life.

“Both of my jobs can be mentally and physically tough, in addition to caring for my own horse,” she said.

“As cliche as it is, my horse – Jagged Gold – is my therapy.

“Some people may think I’m crazy for waking up so early on my days off, but I love going for a ride at the crack of dawn, the sunrise and cool, calm air helps me reset and prepare for the week ahead.”

Josh Miller