We are currently fulled staffed, however, if you would like to send us your details and work history, together with work references, we will keep your details on hand. We look for motivated staff with a genuine interest in thoroughbred racing. We value our staff and regard them as integral members of our team. Our staff are very happy and we look after them, so positions only occasionally become available.
When we do require additional staff, we will contact people who are current, within 3 months, on our register.
If you are an experienced trackwork rider please contact us on (02) 6545 3911. Alternatively you can email your resume to sue@paulmessara.com.au.
Leah Gavranich - a valued member of the team
Leah Gavranich is a remarkable young lady. She is a highly respected and valued member of our team. She is regarded as the queen of multi-tasking, as her role involves everything from track work riding to float driving. The special thing about Leah is, she does it all with a smile and in style.
Leah was born in the town of Derby in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Located on King Sound, Derby is best known for having the highest tides in Australia. It is also a very important base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Leah spent her secondary school years at boarding school in Perth before working on a cattle station for a year. She then worked for Shane Edward's Egerton Stud in the Swan Valley of Western Australia. This picturesque racing and breeding operation was used as a retreat by Her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II during a tour of Western Australia in 1988.
In February 2008 Leah made the move East and started at Arrowfield Training Centre.
Her family has no history in racing. "My friends had horses, so I got involved and loved them" she says. "The racing side of things really excited me so I decided to move east in search of bigger and better things. I loved my job back home but the racing doesn't compare to the Eastern States. I really wanted to connect with a successful stable here. I jumped at the opportunity when it presented itself and I am so glad I did" says Leah.
Asked what motivates her to keep getting out of bed in the early hours of the morning, Leah says" Seeing the hard work pay off, seeing the stable getting the winning results and especially having the opportunity to work with such high quality horses."
"My problem is that I do get too attached to the horses at times" she says with a wry smile. Orientation is a perfect example. "I loved her from the first time I saw her and she's such an honest horse. I have been lucky enough to strap her at both her recent wins at Cessnock and then Kembla Grange on Melbourne Cup Day. She has lots more wins in store."
"This job gives me so much opportunity to observe and learn. The facilities here are incredible and the people are great. It has been a challenge to move and leave my family and friends behind but I don't regret it for one moment."
Are we likely to see the name Leah Gavanich as a leading trainer in the West in years to come? "There's always that possibility, you never know. However, I love where I am at the moment. I have a great boss, work with top people and our results are really making people sit up and take notice."