Remembering Australia’s First Female Jockey

– 4 September 2014 –

At Vasey RSL Care, we care for families who have played a significant role in Australia’s past and it is their stories and achievements that motivate us. Our staff shared with us the story of one of our residents who lived at Vasey Brighton East.

Judith Allen at Oakland Hunt Club 1953

Women’s Royal Australian Navy (WRAN) driver, Judith Allen, was one of Vasey RSL Care’s remarkable residents, living first in Wattle Lodge and then later calling Vasey Brighton East home. In her younger years, Judy loved hunting foxes and belonged to four different hunting clubs.

Judy was especially fond of horses, cats and dogs, and her outdoor pursuits included keeping a vibrant garden, particularly growing vegetables such as silver beet and radishes.

In addition to her significant contribution to her country, Judy held a special role as an Australian sportswoman. This tiny polite lady was also the very first Australian female jockey.

Judy mainly rode at country racing carnivals, and was recognised and remembered at The Moonee Valley Race Club. Later in life, Judy volunteered at 3RBH, contributing to their horse racing show on the airwaves.

Judy enjoyed an exciting and active life, partaking in the arts including drawing, ballet and music, and extending her interest in sport to regular games of tennis and golf. Passionate about cricket and footy, Judy was a devoted Geelong supporter and regularly participated in footy tipping and footy parties organised by the Lifestyle team at Vasey Brighton East.

Judy is sadly missed by residents and staff at Vasey RSL Care and it was a pleasure and honour to have known such a remarkable woman. It is the stories and achievements of our residents that make us truly proud to care for them each day.