NICOLE SHAILER

8 Sep 1997

Nicole Shailer is an integral part to the Te Akau Matamata team and has been with us for many years.

Nicole runs the middle barn at the racecourse, having learnt her trade in the Central Districts. From Feilding, she worked in her school holidays for Bruce Marsh at Woodville, at a time when great galloper, and million-dollar earner, Hail (Stark South) was in the stable. Nicole gained a lot of experience as a track work rider in Matamata, and had previously worked as foreman at local stables. 

Nicole has worked with many notable horses in the stable however to be apart of Melody Belle’s journey would be her highlight. 

David Ellis said: “Nicole is the epitome of dedication when it comes to dealing with horses and we are lucky to have people of her experience.”

Nicole was recognised as our Team Member Of The Month in 2020 and in 2022 she was one of three nominations and won the NZTR Award for Stable Hand of the year which was a well supported recognition of her dedication and passion for her work over the past years of her involvement within the racing industry. 

Nicole is a natural leader – she manages her team so well and is an inspiration to many of our young team who are working alongside her. From the day she started Nicole has been a great addition to our team she always goes the extra mile and is incredibly experienced and talented which easily shows through all aspects of her work. 

She is an absolute pleasure to have working in the stable and we are honoured to have this calibre within our team.