Emmie Wehr

Emmie Wehr – A Woman of Spirit

Racing was her life! Emmie was the longest serving licenced horse trainer in Alice Springs. She had 50 career winners; Her first, Lunar Romeo in 1993, and her last, Urban Bourbon in February 2020. Emmie’s biggest career winner was Fractal Boy ridden by her daughter Gaynor Chambers who won the Red Centre Classic. Urban Bourbon was her favourite. Her most consistent, winning places in each race was Olivares who retired with his strapper in Nov 2020. Emmie was later honoured with the naming of the Emmie Wehr Parade Ring at the Alice Springs Turf Club after her death on 15 August 2021. She was 86. Trevor Wapples Turf Club Farrier (dec) summed up Emmie’s life best in this poem.

“EMMIE”

AS WE SEE IN THE WINNERS CIRCLE

EMMIES TRAINING STILL,

SHE ALWAYS LIKED THE HORSES

AND THE MONEY IN THE TILL.

SOMETIMES SHE SAY’S SHE’S PAST IT

COS! “I’VE GONE PAST SIXTY ONE,

BUT WITH ALL THE BLOODY HORSES

MY WORK IS NEVER DONE!”

SHE WAS RAISED ON NEW CROWN STATION

AMONGST THE CATTLE GAME,

THEN MOVED TO ALICE SPRINGS

TO START ALL OVER AGAIN,

AND NOW SHE KEEPS ON RACING

WITH HORSES OLD AND NEW

BUT SOMETIMES, IT’S SURPRISING

JUST WHAT OL ‘EM CAN DO!

SHE’S PROUD OF ALL HER KIDS

COS! THERE DOING THIS AND THAT,

YOU’LL SEE HER TRAINING YOUNGER ONES

TO WEAR THE “JOCKEY CAP”.

EMMIE HAD THREE GIRLS IN RACING SILKS

AND THOUGHT THERES NO BETTER WAY TO GO,

THEY RODE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD IN ONE RACE

IT’S A RECORD, DON’T YOU KNOW!

Although she wasn’t able to read and write, Emmie raised her eight daughters, making sure they all went to school each day. She trained many young people to ride horses; she was the first licensed Aboriginal woman racehorse trainer; four of her daughters were apprentice jockeys and rode in local races.

An almost, triple dead heat was ridden 1, 2, 3, by three of Emmie’s own daughters Carlene Wehr, Leonie (Lulu) Wehr and Ramona Wehr at Pioneer Park in 1985. According to Emmie, “So close, you could throw a blanket over the whole lot of them”. That made racing history, and was published in the Guinness World Book of Records, Sports Illustrated, and Australasian Post. Many more stories have continued since on ABC Radio, NT News, Centralian Advocate and the Alice Springs News NITV Our Stories, and in Germany, about Emmie’s prowess as a horse woman and trainer of horses for 60 years.

Emmie, as you know is a legend of the track, and was loved by all!

Anne Crawford also wrote a story about Emmie’s racing career which featured in her book called Women of Spirit. I can still hear Emmie saying, “I’m famous, We’re all famous. Did you buy my book?”

God Bless you Emmie.

You loved your beautiful horses and above all lived for them right up until the day you died. A racing legend, a life well lived.

Sheila Arnold

Celebrating Sheila Arnold on International Women's Day 2025

As we honor the contributions of women in the racing industry on International Women's Day, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable Sheila Arnold. Born in the United Kingdom, Sheila moved to Australia in 1968 and settled in Alice Springs in 1970. Her journey in racing began when she obtained her training license in 1972, marking the start of an illustrious career as one of the Territory's best trainers.

Achievements in Racing

Sheila's achievements are truly impressive:

• 7 Alice Springs Cups: Her victories include Mallee Magic (1975), Vernal (1978?), Templeman (1985, 1989), Le Saint (2001 & 2002), and Zylvester (2006). Notably, her first win was presented by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam at the old Alice Springs racecourse.
• Two Darwin Cups: She won with Vernal (1978) and Templeman (1988).
• Feature Events: Sheila has won most of the major races in the Northern Territory and also trained winners in South Australia.

Mallee Magic's Story
One of her most memorable horses was Mallee Magic, purchased for just $300, which went on to win an incredible 40 races. This remarkable story showcases Sheila's talent and dedication to her craft.

Pioneering Women in Racing
Sheila was part of a pivotal moment in racing history when the Darwin Racing Club hosted a ladies-only meeting after Cyclone Tracy. This event marked a significant step towards women competing against men in the sport.

Family and Legacy
Sheila's family, including her jockey sons, have been integral to her journey. While she is proud of their achievements, she humbly acknowledges that their success is due to their natural talent. Notable moments include watching her son Steven win on Stillme at Flemington in 2010 and Scenic Blast at Ascot in 2009.

A Return to Alice Springs
After a stint in Victoria, Sheila and her family returned to Alice Springs, a decision they were happy with. This return allowed her to continue her successful career in the place she calls home.

Sheila Arnold's contributions to racing are a testament to her perseverance and passion. Her legacy inspires future generations of women in the industry, and we celebrate her achievements on this International Women's Day.

Join us in honoring Sheila Arnold and all the women who have made a lasting impact on the racing world!

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