Born and raised in Cambridge, Brooke joined the Wentwood Grange team nine-years ago working her first yearling prep at the age of 14. Now 24, you will still find her every day up at the yearling barn, behind the camera capturing all things WWG or at the Sales.
At the age of 18 she set off over to Australia where she worked at the likes of Yarraman Park and Lindsay Park racing (where she piloted Mr Brightside for the 2023 season in his trackwork).
All while only ever missing one Karaka Sale for us during Covid! She then spent five months in Europe travelling and working sales for Newsells Park, Tally Ho Stud and also Phillip Stauffenburg in Germany!
Over the last four years Brooke has enjoyed her own success dabbling in the art of pin hooking. Where she has been fortunate to get some incredible results not only in the sales ring but also on the race track, with Affirmative Action flying the flag this season and Subiaco who also featured in a few group races last season.
Where does your passion for horses come from?
I come from generations of horse enthusiasts. It’s in my blood, I think I could ride nearly before I could walk. I grew up showjumping and hunting and I don’t know if there has ever been a day in my life without horses! My early life was spent on my parents property where they did everything from spellers, breakers, yearlings and RTR horses!
How did you get started in the thoroughbred industry?
My family has always been involved in the industry but my first industry job was actually Yearling prep at Wentwood Grange in 2017, so nine years ago!
What is your favourite part about working at Wentwood Grange?
The Family aspect of the place, if you work here your considered family and I think that’s something very special. Wentwood Grange has definitely become family to me.
What is your favourite time of year?
Oct - Dec. Good Weather and great racing.
What is your proudest moment or best memory since you started with Wentwood Grange?
It was pretty special this year seeing our sales record get smashed 3 times at 3 different sales!
Do you have a favourite broodmare?
Beela Hudood, Thinkyoucandance and Mai Tai
Who is someone that inspires you?
I’m very lucky to have had so many influential people in my life. It’s to hard to single one out.
Cats or Dogs?
50/50 but everyone that knows me knows my cat runs my life at home 😂.
Fillies or Colts?
Colts
If you could sit down and have a drink with any three people (alive or passed) who would you choose?
Not sure if they would all be at the same table but, Olivia Dean, Frankie Dettori and probably my late grandfather Norm Hawthorne - nearly everyone I meet in the industry has a different story about him!
Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
Horses 😂 . I have my two own horses that take up a lot of my time outside of work, my old boy Barney who I have had for seven years, whom I used to compete up to Grand Prix on and my younger horse Anilla. Who I used to ride track work on in Australia, when it came time for his retirement I flew him home to NZ and turns out he has made a pretty cool hunter for me this year.
If someone approached you eager to enter to thoroughbred industry, what words of wisdom would you have for them?
Do it! It is an amazing industry with so many opportunities! Yes there is a lot of hard work and long days but it is so so rewarding. There are also not many industries and careers that can take you all around the world!
