The November 2 Edition
Jockeys tend to be male, which is odd when you think about it, given the importance of weight to the sport, and the fact that women tend to weigh less than men. That can perhaps be chalked up to historical sexism, something captured brilliantly in the title of the biopic about trailblazing Aussie jockey Michelle Payne, Ride Like a Girl. But one of the most interesting snippets in Melissa Fyfe’s profile of another ground-breaking jockey, Jamie Kah, is how that’s changing at the grassroots. In NSW, women made up 14 of the 20 apprentice jockeys employed in the past year, while Victoria welcomed 10 female and one male apprentice jockeys this year. The dangers inherent in the sport have perhaps also played a part in its male bias. It’s sobering to read that, at only 28, Kah has already had two close friends die on the job. As Fyfe writes, she’s also been penalised for not pushing into what she saw as a dangerous gap between horses in a race in August. Kah is the best female jockey in the world right now. All power to her for speaking up for the safety of riders – without whom, as with horses, there would be no racing. Editor, Katrina Strickland.
Tragedy, scrutiny, a six-day coma: How Aussie star Jamie Kah got back on the horse
The world’s top-ranked female jockey has won more group 1 races than any other Australian woman – a record she’s determined to keep.
- by Melissa Fyfe
‘Scary’: Why US expats are tossing their citizenships – and it’s not just Trump
Becoming un-American is complicated and expensive – yet in recent times, a rising number have embraced the “ex” in “expatriate”.
- by Jenna Price
Two of Us
For subscribers
In Ashlee’s childhood of drug deals and violence, Grandma’s home was a safe haven
Marita fought her addict daughter for years for custody of her granddaughter, Ashlee.
- by Melissa Fyfe
Dicey Topics
For subscribers
‘Adrenaline junkie’: Pamela Rabe on the physical toll of acting
The Canadian-Australian actor on a memorable death scene, career longevity and getting naked for a role.
- by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
Modern Guru
How can I avoid my friend’s Trump-worshipping husband?
We’ve all got someone like this in our lives, writes our Modern Guru.
- by Danny Katz
Gallows
It was nearly 1am and Kevin was still at his desk. In the morning he’d sit an exam so big it could determine the rest of his life. But he was nowhere near ready. There were formulae he hadn’t yet memorised and concepts he barely grasped. Feeling frantic, he lay on his bed – for just a moment – to try and calm himself. He was still thinking of binomial distributions when he fell asleep. That he awoke to a picture-postcard morning was lost on him when, after a mad rush, he walked to school as if to the gallows. Word by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.
Watergate journo Bob Woodward goes to War in his latest book
Plus: get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.
- by Greg Callaghan, Frances Mocnik, Barry Divola, Jonathan Seidler and Damien Woolnough
Beef tagliata with tonnato sauce
This play on the Italian classic, vitello tonnato, uses sirloin steaks instead of veal.
- by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Coconut-stuffed pani pol pancakes
These Sri Lankan pancakes are stuffed with a sweet and spiced coconut mixture.
- by Helen Goh
There are a multitude of reasons why this is the perfect Christmas gift for foodies
Terry Durack on why a cooking class – the more hands-on the better – is the Christmas gift that keeps on giving.
- by Terry Durack
