"Let's Talk": Hawkesbury Races Lead the Way in Mental Health Awareness with "Racing Mates" Raceday

The Hawkesbury Race Club buzzed with a different kind of energy on Tuesday, October 28.

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The usual hum of race-day anticipation was there, but beneath it ran a current of quiet, meaningful connection.

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This was a Racing Mates get-together, an event where the day's races were secondary to the conversations had over a shared barbecue.

“Hawkesbury Race Club is pleased to support such a wonderful initiative, and to work closely with the Racing Mates team in promoting Mental Health Awareness,” Hawkesbury Race Club CEO, James Heddo, said.

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“I encourage all Industry participants to continue to support each other and to not be afraid to ask for help if required.”

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Racing Mates ambassador Pat Webster, a retired champion trainer, hosted the gathering which also recognised World Mental Health Month and encouraged conversations.

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Pat has seen it all—the highs of victory and the crushing lows of injury and loss. He understood the silent battles that so many in the racing industry fought, the loneliness that could creep in despite being surrounded by people.

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“This is the magic of Racing Mates,” Webster said.

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“It isn’t about grand gestures or big speeches. It is about connection, about creating a space where a simple, "How are you, really?" could be heard and answered honestly.”

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The greatest success stories of Racing Mates are not publicised. They are the stories of quiet conversations had over a snag at a country race meeting, a phone call answered late at night, and a small, but vital, intervention that led a struggling participant towards a healthier path.

The Racing Mates program, established by Racing NSW, offers a crucial pathway for industry participants to access professional mental health support. This formal assistance from trained psychologists and counsellors complements the peer-to-peer support network that is the program's foundation.

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The program ensures that the racing industry, a world known for its high stakes and intense pressure, can also be known for its compassion and care for its people.

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“Early mornings, gruelling travel, and the immense pressure to perform can wear down even the most resilient individuals,” Webster said.

Encouraging and engaging in conversation has significant benefits for both mental health and relationships. It fosters a sense of connection, reduces feelings of isolation, and helps process and manage emotions.

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Further information about Racing Mates and its ambassadors can be found at racingmates.com.au