Passion

Nikki Hodgson was surrounded by trainers and jockeys throughout her childhood and the west was pumping with success. The Coonamble racing scene provided endless opportunities and it was impossible for Nikki to not be hooked.

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"I loved the colours and wanted to be a race caller. I would drive my family mad with my calls, and in my prime could rattle off many Melbourne Cups".

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Nikki worked in the family stable until making the decision to move to Wyong where there were more jobs for aspiring women of racing. She rode as a freelance track work rider for a number of prominent local trainers before taking a foreman's job with Rod Bailey. After spending 7 years learning the craft, Nikki took her chance and found way to the Group 1 winning Snowden Racing stable at Randwick. She recognised the value of having a high attention to detail, and making sure every box was ticked whether it was a 10 start maiden, or a Group 1 superstar. 

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"There were some good horses in the stable during my stint with Peter and Paul. I got to sit on Pride Of Dubai, Capitalist, Redzel, Russian Revolution and Miracles Of Life".

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Nikki decided to move back to Wyong where she continued to build on an impressive resume. She took on senior roles with Tracey Bartley, Emeran Park, Kristen Buchanan Racing and this gave her plenty of confidence to follow her dream. Her transition into the training ranks was inevitable, and she is starting to turn heads with her success on the racetrack. 

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"I think my strength is my work ethic, and I'm a big believer that you can't treat all of the horses the same. I like to use my instincts as a trainer and would love to win a Coonamble Cup. The bucket list is like most, the Cox Plate".

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