Over the past few years Kylie Dean has performed a host of roles at the Geraldton Turf Club; from clerk of the course, barrier attendant to race day secretary.
And on Sunday, as the Geraldton Turf Club launch their opening meeting of the 2015-16 racing season, Deane can add another title to her resume.
Deane will officially join Western Australia’s training ranks when she saddles her first runner, Babieca Noire in the George Follington Memorial (1100m).
“I think I’m allowed about an hour off from my race day activities so it’s going to make it a super busy day,” joked Deane.
“It might get hectic later on when I have more runners but the club have been supportive in my bid to acquire a trainer’s license.”
Despite coming from a non-racing background, Deane’s foray into the thoroughbred world has been several years in the making.
She considered the timing to be right after cutting her teeth with a trio of prominent Geraldton racing identities.
“I worked for Kat Richter doing bush riding and stable work,” said Dean.
“I then went travelling before teaming up with Gordon Spowart.
“That’s where I met my partner Shaun Ainsworth who has been a track rider in Geraldton for the better part of 15 years.
“Shaun and I took a more hands on role as owners last year when we leased a horse.
“It gave me the taste of what it was like to train and I thought it was time to bite the bullet.”
Babieca Noire, who won a recent warm up trial, is the lowest rated horse in his race, but Deane gives the Bel Esprit gelding a big shot at a fairy-tale first up win.
The 10-year-old meets a strong line-up that includes Wotchinyu, Our Mantle, Thunder Express and last start Kalgoorlie winner, Helder The Painter.
Dean says she is expecting big improvement from Babieca Noire after he failed to flatter in a winless Broome and Newman winter campaign.
“He didn’t handle the conditions,” said Deane.
“He likes to get back and didn’t appreciate the red dirt coming back in his face.
“I will learn more about him after this run but I think he is a good chance.”
Julio Santarelli