 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
The transformation of women's roles in Thoroughbred racing over the past decade bears the unmistakable imprint of visionary leaders like Katie Page. As co-owner of Magic Millions and CEO of retail giant Harvey Norman, Page has orchestrated a quiet revolution than has seen more than 2,000 thoroughbred racehorses registered to women, forever changing the landscape of Australian racing.
The transformation of women's roles in Thoroughbred racing over the past decade bears the unmistakable imprint of visionary leaders like Katie Page. As co-owner of Magic Millions and CEO of retail giant Harvey Norman, Page has orchestrated a quiet revolution that has seen more than 2,000 women become Thoroughbred owners and industry leaders, forever changing the landscape of Australian racing.
"Women were already there in every facet of the industry but were only recognised in a public sense as race-goers," Page reflects, recalling the inspiration behind her groundbreaking Magic Millions Racing Women (MMRW) initiative launched in 2013. The programme, which introduced a US$340,000 bonus for female-owned horses, was inspired by trailblazers like renowned trainer Gai Waterhouse.
The success stories emerging from MMRW have become legendary within racing circles. In just its first five years, the initiative saw female-owned horses claim more than US$6.8 million in bonuses, with winners including Global Glamour, a multiple Gr.1 winner, and Sunlight, who captured the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. These triumphs inspired a new generation of female owners and proved that women could succeed at the highest levels of racing.
The initiative has spawned numerous innovative programmes, including mentorship schemes pairing experienced female owners with newcomers, specialised training workshops for women in racing, and networking events that have created a powerful community of female industry leaders. The result has been a dramatic shift in the industry's gender dynamics, with women now comprising nearly 40% of new Thoroughbred owners at Magic Millions sales.
"There has been a global shift in the recognition, as well as representation, of the role women play across a spectrum of endeavours – sport, enterprise, education, government," explains Page.
 |  |
Page's journey from a Queensland banker's daughter to becoming one of racing's most influential figures began with a pivotal moment. "It was the female principal at my primary school who told my parents I should sit the entry exams for Brisbane State High School, as it was selective," she recalls. "Her expectations of me had nothing to do with gender. She just saw my potential as a person. From there, I have looked to create opportunities for others to realise their potential."
After moving to Sydney and meeting Gerry Harvey during a charity event, she would go on to break numerous barriers, becoming the first woman elected to the National Rugby League board in 2004 and being ranked fourth among Australia's "50 most powerful women in business" in 2015. Her cross-industry experience has proved invaluable in transforming racing's traditionally male-dominated culture, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to industry challenges.
The partnership with Zara Tindall MBE, who has been a patron of MMRW for over a decade, has elevated the initiative's global profile. The programme has recently expanded to include the MMRW Awards with TAB-funded scholarships, with US$34,000 allocated nationally.
"Our awards are an extension of our original MMRW premise," Page notes. "Now, with TAB, our aim is national recognition for the extraordinary women shaping the industry and to award scholarships that will enable them to explore new, exciting opportunities, which will ultimately strengthen the industry as a whole."
Under Page's leadership, Magic Millions has become more than just a premier Thoroughbred auction house. "Another way of expressing working together is working as a community," she emphasises. "Magic Millions is so fortunate to be based on the Gold Coast in Queensland. We deliver on the promise of our name with the magical beaches and million-dollar prizemoney across our race days and showjumping events."
The growth has been remarkable, with now more than US$13.5 million on offer across the two race days in the week of the Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival. This investment has transformed the event into a global attraction, contributing more than US$34 million to the Queensland economy and drawing buyers from across Asia, UK, Europe, and the Americas.
"Gerry and I love people and horses," Page reflects. "Harvey Norman and Magic Millions are underpinned by our appreciation for people as customers and vendors, and what is motivating and uplifting is that both these sides of the businesses have always recognised the importance of women as decision-makers, and we prioritise the family."
The impact extends beyond racing events to year-round programmes supporting women's advancement in the industry. Magic Millions now hosts regular leadership forums, technical workshops, and networking events specifically designed to support women in racing. These initiatives have created a powerful support network that helps women navigate the industry's challenges and seize new opportunities.
Looking ahead, Page places the importance of Thoroughbred welfare alongside women's advancement. "The continual prioritisation of Thoroughbred welfare & incentivised, skilful retraining of retired racehorses for a career after racing, as well as collaboration, is essential. We know that no one loves horses as much as horse people," she emphasises.
"Magic Millions Racing Women has given us a platform to support and be recognised in our industry. It is how I do it at Magic Millions, but it isn't the only way," states Page.
The ripple effects of Page's initiatives have influenced racing clubs across Australia and internationally to examine their own policies regarding women's participation. Major racing organisations in New Zealand, South Africa, and Europe have introduced similar programmes inspired by the MMRW model, creating a global movement for women's advancement in racing.
Through Page's vision, the Thoroughbred industry has undergone a fundamental transformation in its approach to women's participation. What began as a bold experiment with the Racing Women's Incentive Bonus has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem supporting women's advancement across all sectors of the industry.
From the sales ring to the winner's circle, from veterinary clinics to corporate boardrooms, her influence has opened doors that were once firmly closed.
The true measure of her impact lies in the statistics – the thousands of female owners, the millions in prize money, or the economic contributions – and in the cultural shift she has engineered. Young women entering the industry today see no ceiling to their ambitions, whether as trainers, owners, bloodstock agents, or industry executives. The pathways Page has created extend far beyond her own initiatives, inspiring a new generation of female leaders to push boundaries and create their own opportunities.
"Real change can't happen in isolation and it has to be ongoing," she asserts, and her legacy embodies this philosophy. Her established programmes continue to evolve and expand, adapting to meet new challenges and opportunities. As the industry faces future challenges, from technological innovation to environmental sustainability, the diverse perspectives and talents of women leaders will be more crucial than ever.
For Page, this is just the beginning. Her vision extends beyond achieving equality in numbers to fostering a truly inclusive industry where merit and passion are the only measures of success. As she continues to champion new initiatives and support emerging female leaders, her message remains clear: the future of Thoroughbred racing will be shaped by the talents, determination, and innovation of women who dare to dream big.