TDN AusNZ: If you can just begin by talking about your background in Australia, and how you got into the horse business...
GN: I guess I was born into it. We moved from Sydney to the Hunter Valley when I was two. Dad got a job working at the old Wakefield Stud, as it was back then. Before we knew it, we bought Attunga Stud in 2000.
I was on the back of all the quads and worked with the horses on the farm from a very young age. I just loved being outside and being with the animal itself. And I guess that never really stopped.
Gabrielle Nutt taking one through the ring for Attunga
TDN AusNZ: What was the most important thing you learned from your father?
GN: My dad always said to me, nothing great is achieved without hard work. And so, I guess from that, I've always used that through school, through uni, and now through my career. Work hard, and put your head down. He obviously also instilled a passion for the horse as well. I wouldn't be where I am today without him. He loves the industry a lot, and he's been such a source of support over the years.
Gabrielle with her father, Brian Nutt
"He loves the industry a lot, and he's been such a source of support over the years." - Gabrielle Nutt
TDN AusNZ: What was your first job in the industry besides helping out at Attunga?
GN: After I finished my degree at Sydney University, I was lucky enough to get a job with Inglis. I remember having a really long chat with dad about it all and he said, "Is this what you want to do? Do you want to work in racing?" I was like, "Absolutely, I'm mad for it."
I think a lot of my friends were graduating and going into these jobs that they didn't necessarily enjoy. And I was going to work every day enjoying what I did, and I don't think many graduates can say that straight away. Everything just seemed to slot into place at Inglis.
"I was going to work every day enjoying what I did, and I don't think many graduates can say that straight away." - Gabrielle Nutt
Everyone was so open and I learned so much. I think Bonnie Connellan was an amazing mentor to me and still is today. She taught me so much about the people and the relationships, and how you go about being successful in the industry.
TDNAusNZ: What was your main role at Inglis?
GN: At Inglis, I was the Digital Marketing Coordinator responsible for marketing the online platforms. I was there when we were setting up the online auction, which has really taken off.
Nick Melmeth headed it up. There was definitely a market for an online auction and Inglis, being one of the leading auctioneers in the world, wanted to be at the forefront of the digital evolution. Nick was at the helm and he allowed me to be involved with a lot of the development, and a lot of the testing.
"The whole experience was very rewarding, and opened up a new side of the industry for me." - Gabrielle Nutt
When it came to the sales, it was all hands on deck. The whole experience was very rewarding, and opened up a new side of the industry for me.
TDNAusNZ: So what inspired you to move to England and try something different?
GN: I guess from a young age, it always intrigued me about living overseas. Our industry, even though it's so vast in many ways, is really quite small at the same time. I thought why not go and challenge myself and learn about something completely different.
I moved over to England and didn't have a job lined up. I had a few interviews but didn't necessarily have something directly put in place for me. But I just wanted to learn more. I wanted to gain a more global understanding of our industry.
Gabrielle Nutt (left) at Royal Ascot
TDN AusNZ: What have you learned from your time with Simon Thompson at Barnes Thompson?
GN: I've been very lucky to get the job with Simon. My primary role is working with Tattersalls Ireland, Tattersalls Ascot, and Tattersalls Cheltenham on all aspects of their marketing and advertising. Our clients outsource a lot of their marketing content to us, which is very different to Inglis who did a lot of their advertising in-house when I was there. So we are heavily involved in all of their campaigns; from the concepts to the design to the media buying. It's very rewarding going to racecourses, or sales, or opening up a publication and seeing your clients well represented.
"It's very rewarding going to racecourses, or sales, or opening up a publication and seeing your clients well represented." - Gabrielle Nutt
Simon has been so open as well. He's been running Barnes Thompson for over 20 years and continues to question and challenge the status quo and he's always been very willing to pass on his experience and knowledge. Our clients have also been amazing by opening their doors and letting me learn. They have been very generous to a little girl from Australia!
TDN AusNZ: Is there anything about the European industry that's completely new to you?
I've been exposed to National Hunt racing which was completely foreign to me. I didn't know the difference between a hurdle and a fence when I first came over!
TDN AusNZ: So what do you see as the biggest common challenge for racing both in Europe and Australia?
GN: Well, I think the common weakness in both countries relates to getting young people involved. Whether that be as fans or working in the industry.
Being honest, I think Australia is ahead of Europe in both respects. There are so many initiatives down there and it seems to be gathering momentum.
I think the Australian industry is becoming much more open as well, with fewer barriers to entry. There's still quite a bit of stigma in the UK. It's historically been called the Sport of Kings, and is still commonly perceived as that.
