Meet Te Akau's Top Team

We shine the spotlight on another very important Te Akau team member -

Team Te Akau member Janet Dowse had race horses written in her stars. Born in Paeroa and taken in as a four year old by trainers Faye and Lloyd Farmer, Janet grew up next to Te Aroha race course and has spent the last seven years working with thoroughbreds off and on.

Known as “Mouse” to her nearest and dearest, she got her start early on with Faye's greyhounds. “I helped Faye with feeding, looking after the pups and walking the dogs on the roads. I just loved it and when I was old enough, I got to work with the horses. I had a rocky road at college, and it was either get a job and get an exemption or stay at college, so I got a job in racing. That was with Keith and Dale Opie when I was fifteen,” says Janet. No stranger to hard work, she also held down a part time job at a chicken factory.

After a year with the Opies in which she cut her teeth in racing, Janet married and while looking for work, saw that Te Akau had an opening. The 23 year old applied and now has been a part of the Te Akau Family for the last year, making a contribution with her hard work and horsemanship. “I enjoy the races and love the horses and I do believe they love to run. I don't mind the work and being hands-on is the best part, just looking after them the best I can,” she says.

Two of her charges hold a special place in her heart. “Davey (Davey Crockett) is a big sook but he trusts me. He was injured a while ago and I was the only one he trusted to treat him. We have a special bond. I also like Hugh (3g Henny Hughes) because he has a really cute pony face, you can't help but love him.”

Janet enjoys her work and has plans for her spare time in the future. “I don't have much time for hobbies but it's my dream to have my own horse one day and learn how to ride better.”