John Blacker
Over the past 30 years, John Blacker has earned his reputation as one of Tasmania’s top trainers. On 3 occasions, John has been Tasmania’s Premiership Trainer and 9 times placing 2nd and 3rd on the Premiership Table.
Regarded a very good horseman, John started his career as a track work rider for Tasmanian Hall of Fame Trainer, George Blacker. During the early years, John also assisted with the Breaking In and Pre-training side of the business. John commenced his training career in his early 20’s with much success. During his successful career, John has won most of Tasmania’s Premier Races including;
Tasmanian St Leger Stakes
Tasmanian Derby
Tasmanian Newmarket
2017, 2010 & 1998 Devonport Cups
2019 Conquering Stakes (L)
2021, 2020, 2014, 1996 Longford Cups
2021 Tasmanian Guineas (L)
2021 Launceston Guineas (L)
2021 Brighton Cup
2021 Ladbroke Stakes (L)
2021 Launceston Cup (G3)
John has also enjoyed success in taking Tasmanian horses to Melbourne. Achieving many wins, one highlight would be Nuclear Free’s win in the 2006 G2 MRC Tristarc Stakes.
In his first full season training back in Tasmania, John finished 2nd in the 2014/2015 Tasmanian Leading Trainer Table as he has since - 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018.
Penny Cawthen
Penny comes from customer services/management roles in the manufacturing and building industries. While happy to leave the horse handling work to others more capable, she is hands-on when needed and can often been seen strapping one at the races or cleaning out a box at the stables. Penny is primarily responsible for management of clients accounts and providing regular communication back to our owners regarding their horses in the stable. Social media and website content is a critical tool of every business now and Penny welcomes any feedback on how JKB Racing can improve their information to clients.
Laura Blacker
Laura has been involved with horses all her life, taught by her parents from a very young age. Over the years, Laura has had experience with Yearling Prep and working with various trainers within the Tasmanian Racing Industry. You will always see Laura at the races, preparing our runners to do their best on the night. In the stable, Laura is responsible for organising each horse for their allocated work each day and reporting back to John on any issues that may arise. Laura’s ambition is to one day become a trainer herself and is always eager to learn from her father, John and uncle, Troy. Outside of work, Laura has 3 Off the Track Racehorses that she rides and are now very enjoyable pleasure horses.
Troy Blacker
Troy Blacker is an accomplished trainer in his own right and has had great success winning the 2011 Bendigo Cup & 2012 G3 JRA Cup with Dream Pedlar, along with many other triumphs in the premier Tasmanian Races. We are fortunate to have Troy assist JKB Racing and our team of horses throughout each work day. John works closely with Troy to refine each horses workload to prepare them for racing and ensure they are the best they can be on race day. Troy also has his own small team of young horses currently in work.
George Blacker
Although retired, Hall of Fame Trainer, George Blacker is a valuable asset to our team. George works everyday within the stable, responsible for operating the Treadmill but always willing to pass on his years of experience as a Breaker and a Trainer.
Brittany Kirkman
Brittany joined our team almost 4 years ago after returning to her home state after working with one of Victoria’s leading trainers. She is a great asset to our team, predominately working with Troy and Laura during track work each morning, preparing the horses before they go out to the track. Brittany has also been a regular at each race meeting, ensuring all horses are prepared and presented at their best on race day. In her spare time, Brittany has her own Off the Track Thoroughbreds that she educates, competing at many Tasmanian Shows in the Jumping Ring.
Dan Wallace
Dan is most probably the longest serving member of the JKB Racing team apart from John. We have been lucky to have Dan work across all aspects of our stable during the the past 20+ years. From ground work to saddling horses, from maintenance to handling of the horses around the stable, Dan has always been there to lend a hand. Dan is also a member of Tasracing’s Barrier Staff on race days and more often that not, his spare days are spent helping others with building & property maintenance.
Michael O’Grady
Michael’s experience in the horse industry is well known. Starting out in the early days working at Studs, breaking-in & pre-training. Michael holds his own Owner/Trainer Licence and is JKB Racing’s “all-rounder”. He is part of our ground staff team, he assists with saddling and handling of horses around the stable, he jumps on a couple during track work and when that is all over, he helps educate the babies. Michael can also drive the truck when needed and you will most likely see him race day as well, putting in the miles walking all our horses before and after they race.
Rob Collis
Rob has had experience in both Harness and Thoroughbreds throughout his working life. Growing up in a Harness racing family, Rob has also held a Harness Trainers Licence himself. Over the years Rob has worked in Thoroughbred studs both in Victoria and Tasmania, mainly looking after and handling the stallions and doing the Yearling Prep. Rob is a valued member of our ground staff, ensuring all are facilities are clean and well maintained for the horses’ welfare.