RNSW_Oct 21_Col_W

www.racingnsw.com.au 22 Nini Vascotto AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB WILL HONOUR THE MEMORY OF ITS BELOVED SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER AND LONG-TIME EMPLOYEE NINI VASCOTTO, WHO PEACEFULLY PASSED AWAY ON FRIDAY 27 AUGUST, AT AGE 44 WORDS: BRETT DE VINE ATC farewells Nini N ini Vascotto worked for Australian Turf Club for more than 13 years and among a variety of roles became responsible for establishing and then rapidly growing the ATC’s extensive social media followers across numerous platforms. Widely recognised for her caring and gentle nature, Nini had a deep love of the thoroughbred, a bond which started at a young age when she began riding horses. But her life took a different turn almost 10 years ago when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. With the great love of her life and later-to-be husband Murray Conallin forever by her side, Nini never gave up, despite doctors initially telling Nini she may only have 18 months to live. It was where her truly inspiring story began. One which her ATC colleagues joined with her, along with many thousands of others across the world. For almost a decade, Nini fought cancer and extensive rounds of various treatments, gaining a huge following and deep admiration for her strength, courage, determination but mostly positive attitude. She worked racedays through the pain and those treatments … always with a smile. Always with a passion for the horse and the role she so adored. And she became even better known to the racing industry as the ATC representative who sashed the winners of Group 1 races. None of these meant more to Nini than the immortal racehorse Winx. Nini would draw her own strength and determination from the exploits and ever increasing winning streak of Winx. But perhaps her greatest moment on the track was her very last visit to a Royal Randwick raceday, on 16 June this year. She was there to see a horse she part-owned with her dear friends the Cornish family. It was named Forzanini. With Murray and her mum present, Nini summoned all of her strength to see and cheer Forzanini across the line first. It was a moment meant to be, the perfect finish to her final day on course. Australian Turf Club Chairman, Matthew McGrath paid tribute to the life of Nini Vascotto. “Whilst our hearts are heavy with the loss of Nini, we are also eternally grateful for what she devoted to and has left the Australian Turf Club,” Mr McGrath said. “Her courage and passion for her work, her family and especially in the way she treated other people including her colleagues will always be a special part of the Australian Turf Club’s history. “We pay great tribute to the life of Nini and send our warmest wishes and love to Murray and all of her family.” Australian Turf Club Chief Executive, Jamie Barkley said the Club would work with Nini’s family to pay formal tribute at the appropriate time. “Nini’s life and her work with the ATC has been truly inspiring for all of the team at the Australian Turf Club, along with the wider racing industry and community,” Mr Barkley said. “We will honour Nini with a permanent memorial in a location which was very special and had great meaning to her at Royal Randwick.”