Racing more than a job, but a way of life for award winner

BORN into a large family of horse racing enthusiasts, Briga Fliedner was always destined to be involved in the industry.

From owning and previously training horses herself, to her roles as an administrator, mentor and passionate advocator for the sport, her contribution to the sport has spanned decades and shaped her as one of country Victoria’s most respected and influential leaders.

That hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Bendigo-based Fliedner this year’s recipient of the Wakeful Club of Victoria’s Lady of Racing Award.

Established in 1993, the award was introduced to recognise the achievements and contributions of women in the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, as well as to encourage further involvement of women within the industry.

Fliedner beat a crack field of nominees for the honour that included Victoria’s first thoroughbred race judge Natashia Radford and Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria CEO Carrie Hu.

She said she was truly humbled to receive the prestigious award.

“To represent women, it’s a huge honour,” Fliedner said.

“There are so many wonderful women in our industry; they all deserve so many accolades.

“To be recognised as a significant female in this wonderful industry, it’s very important to me.

“I am truly humbled as it was a great field (of nominees) – some impressive young women. I can’t believe it.”

One of 10 Coffey children from Birchip, Fliedner has fond memories of her earliest days at the historic Watchem Racecourse, 15 minutes down the road from Birchip.

She later established herself as a trailblazer in the training ranks by becoming the first female to win the Mildura trainer’s premiership in 1996.

Married to Bendigo trainer Shane Fliedner, she has gone on to become a long-standing board member of Country Racing Victoria, pairing expertise with strategic vision to ensure country racing clubs don’t just operate, but evolve, grow and thrive.

Her impact extends far beyond her formal roles.

For more than three decades, Briga and Shane, have built Fliedner’s Racing into a leading regional training hub in Bendigo.

Her election to the Bendigo Jockey Club board – a role she held for four years – saw her drive major infrastructure upgrades, membership growth and long-term planning for new facilities.

Fliedner views her longevity in the sport as a badge of honour.

“If you’re part of this industry, you just love it because it is such a tough industry,” she said.

“But we love the horses so much. You do get wrapped up in it.”

A tireless mentor, advocate and community champion, Fliedner travels the state supporting race days, industry initiatives and emerging talent.

 

Testament to her passion for the sport, she attends roughly 100 meetings a year, sometimes as many as three or four in a week during the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

First elected to the Country Racing Victoria board in 2018, Fliedner could not be prouder of her involvement.

“It’s a wonderful organisation. We represent the hundreds and hundreds of volunteers around the state, who all love their community,” she said.

“They want to ensure that racing prospers in their town. To be on the board is amazing.

“I travel all around the state and meet wonderful people.

“They are all such hard-working people that just want the best for racing and their community.

“We offer a good support network for our country clubs and try to make sure our volunteers are happy.

“They are ever so important in keeping country racing going.

“I think Racing Victoria is in a good spot and Country Racing Victoria especially is in a great spot.

“Our clubs are flying. We’ve got good sponsorship, good membership – we’re really going well.”

CRV chief executive officer Scott Whiteman was ecstatic to see Fliedner recognised for her contribution to the industry, spanning many decades.

“What wonderful recognition of a life spent in racing. There’s not a more deserving winner of the Lady of Racing award than Briga Fliedner,” he said.

“Briga’s contribution to racing across Victoria should never be underestimated.

“She’s been a trailblazer across the industry, is well respected by all that she comes across, and is willing to put her hand up to help anyone.

“Her insight and knowledge of our game spreads far and wide.

“She’s an incredible mentor to many, and CRV has benefited significantly since Briga joined as a director in 2018.

“We’re delighted to see her recognised by the entire industry, an accolade she now shares with fellow CRV director and former Lady of Racing winner Victoria Armstrong.”

If there’s one thing Fliedner would still like to tick off in racing it would be owning a champion galloper.

That’s not to say her and Shane haven’t been involved in some incredibly good ones.

Among them the dual Listed winner Classiconi, Group 3 winners Laura’s Charm and Little Dozer, and Hi Stranger, who topped more than $800,000 in lifetime earnings from eight wins and 14 placings in 59 starts.

Whatever the future may hold, Fliedner can look back on her life in racing with contentment and pride.

“I’m very happy with what we have achieved. We’ve had a very good life and many wonderful years in the racing industry,” she said.

“If I walked away tomorrow, I would be more than satisfied. Absolutely.

“Racing has certainly given us more than we have given it.”