Sport
14 December, 2022
Daffy legacy continues
THE five decade history of racing Denis Daffy built is in the safe hands of his granddaughter, Harriet.
THE five decade history of racing Denis Daffy built is in the safe hands of his granddaughter, Harriet.
Ms Place earned her training license earlier this month after her grandfather tabbed her as the successor to the highly-accomplished racing stables.
Ms Place said her grandfather had celebrated 50 years as a trainer in August this year.
“We only have a small team now but he used to have between 20 and 30 horses in work,” Place said.
“He was one of the leading trainers around here, I think he’s won around four Terang cups and lots of other country cups.”
While he was proud to look back on his accomplishments over his decades of success, he also kept an eye to the future of the stables.
Ms Place had worked closely with her grandfather since she was just 14 years old.
Now 22, she has become a certified trainer and will go in to partnership with her pop at their stables just outside of Camperdown.
“I didn’t ever think I would train; I was happy helping pop,” Place said.
“One day he asked me if it was a future I would consider. I hadn’t ever really thought about it.
“Initially I didn’t think much of it, I just thought no, but knowing pop thought I could do it, then I could.
“He’s been my biggest supporter and also my harshest critic, so for him to have the confidence in me to do it was the motivation I needed to step up and take on more responsibility.”
For the past six months Ms Place has undertaken the intensive training required to earn a training license, which involves taking a course, seeking references, stable inspections and a meeting with stewards and Racing Victoria representatives.
“It was a bit of a relief to earn it because I’m only 22,” Place said.
“I would have been surprised if I wasn’t able to get it but I was still amazed, shocked and excited.
“It has now sunk in how much work it is going to be, but it’s going to be really good.”
Having the opportunity to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps and leave her own mark on the legacy she has built was a point of pride for Ms Place and her grandfather.
“Pop has had lots of great people work for him over the years, and the fact he chose me is a huge honour because he has such a great name,” Place said.
“To ask me to take on the reigns with him is just an honour.
“He wasn’t surprised at all when I got my license, he knew I could do it, but he was still really excited because we work together as such a great team.
“To now work together as equals and both get the recognition is exciting.”