Stevens’ thirst for new challenges leads to Entain award

In her own words, Jo Stevens says you don't ever get any further in life just doing what you're comfortable doing.

That’s why, at the height of Covid-19 sweeping New Zealand, and harness racing operating under strict restrictions, Stevens started recording post-race interviews with winning drivers after victories at Alexandra Park and Cambridge.

“I found I was a little bit of a fish out of water, but that doesn’t matter,” Stevens (33) said.

“I thought these owners who are paying money to have these horses racing, they can't be here, and I'll just step in and get something for them.”

Stevens is quick to point out she’s no broadcaster or journalist. She was formerly a trackwork rider and a jockey in the thoroughbred racing industry before gaining a harness racing trainer’s licence almost a decade ago, tasting Group 3 success with Rosie in the Northern Trotting Breeders Stakes in February last year.

Her interviews, which have extended to pre-race tips from the drivers as well as other features, have evolved into the Track Chat NZ Facebook page, which has more than 3000 followers.

“Never in a million years did I think it would end up where it is now, you know.

“Honestly, the trainers and drivers are just so amazing, so giving of their time and happy to do whatever I ask.”

Stevens and partner Dylan Ferguson, who are set to get married at the end of August, have recently teamed up in a training partnership. Alongside that, daughter Grace (5) is starting school, so Stevens balances that, alongside everything else she does, which includes rehoming horses, and special tasks like organising the first ever Dorothy Cutts Invitational Lady Drivers Race, a trans-Tasman drivers challenge at Cambridge in April this year, and the Battle Of The Breeds which showcases both standardbreds and thoroughbreds in their Life After Racing with a series of competitions.

What’s more, she has her thoroughbred trainer’s licence, so she’s on the lookout for a galloper to get to the races.

“I always bite off more than I can chew and wonder how I'm going to get it done. But you've just got to keep going because you do what needs to be done, and everything I do has been incredibly rewarding.”

While Stevens is always keen to look ahead, she was equally pleased to reflect on the Administrative and Ancillary Award she claimed at the Industry Excellence Awards, powered by Entain, on July 28.

“I felt incredibly privileged and humbled to just be a finalist. It was amazing to win when you think about it being all three racing codes nationwide,” Stevens said.

The wedding costs have already been planned for, so Stevens – with some encouragement from Ferguson – is considering improving her media and interviewing skills with some of her $10,000 prize.

“I do want to expand my knowledge and whatnot in the media side of things. So, yeah, I might look to do something like that, just to get better at what I do, and see where it takes me.”