Strike the light yourself, Pippa tells women

With Women’s Day dominating the month Racing Express will use August to focus on women in horseracing. Ken Nicol had a chat to general manager of Avontuur Estate Pippa Mickleburg.

What is your field of responsibility with-in the sport of horseracing?

My job title is General Manager of Avontuur Estate near Stellenbosch, which I have been for 27 years. I am responsible for running all facets of the business, including the Stud, but also the wine farm and restaurant. As you can imagine it’s a demanding job.

What is it about your involvement that you love, or are passionate about?

It all ultimately comes down to the horse. I do love the entire process from when a mating I put together a foal is produced which goes to the sales, and goes on to win a Grade 1 race. Then I think to myself “that was my little foal” and get great satisfaction from my plan coming together.

As a woman, do you go about your work any differently from your male counterparts? If so, how?

In the end you’ve got to be the best. This is a male dominated business and I am up against some top class rivals. You have to win your client’s trust and do the business, as shown by the fact that Avontuur has on numerous occasions topped the Average-Earnings-Per-Runner table.

Do you take inspiration from other women, even historical figures outside of racing? If so, who and why?

Early in my career I learned a lot from Pat O’Neill at Hoog Eind. The meticulous way she prepped horses for sales and the way she handled the social side of the business made a great impression on me.

What advice do you have for women wanting to get into the sport of horseracing?

You have to be 100% committed to be-ing the best. This is a nice life but only if you are successful. It’s a seven day a week job and often things like love life and marriage have to be put to the side. In a way you could say I am married to the farm. I’ve given my heart and soul to it. It’s definitely not a lifestyle for everybody.

What words of inspiration do you have for other South African women?

I’ll end with a quote by Australian Pastoralist and Author Sara Henderson. “Don’t wait for a light to appear at the end of the tunnel, stride down there and light the bloody thing yourself.”