Prawns, Pimms and Pedigree: Tessa Daly returns to hometown of Carnarvon for food, fashion and race day fun
Tessa Daly — the daughter of Carnarvon horse trainer Peter Daly — is set to return to her roots on August 1 for the Massey Bay Prawns and Pimms Race Day, the grand finale of Carnarvon's Gascoyne Food Festival leg.
'I grew up following (dad) around the countryside, going to lots of different racecourses all around WA,' she said.
'I guess it's in your blood when you grow up with it.'
Despite dabbling in WAFL operations and dreaming of a career in sports media, Daly said the pull of the racing world was far too strong to ignore.
'I was getting up at 3.30am to work with horses, get that job done by 8am and then rushing to East Fremantle Football Club and back to the stables,' she said.
'It was ridiculously long days and I thought – 'I'm 26 - I either need to try and chase these media dreams while I'm still somewhat young and don't leave it too late'.'
Now part of Racing WA's TV broadcast team as mounting yard analyst, Daly's focus is on blending her background with her passion – and that's exactly what Prawns and Pimms is all about.
'It's about bringing people from all walks of life into racing,' she said.
'Sea Harvest have donated prawns for the day, and Pimms goes hand in hand with the races — prawns, Pimms and a bit of a punt and a bit of fun as well.'
Held on the day that all Australian horses celebrate a birthday, the afternoon will feature local food, drinks, music, and a laid-back trackside atmosphere – all part of a bigger plan to showcase Carnarvon's produce.
'Racing in Carnarvon falls at the perfect time of the year. The weather's great and the produce is even better,' Daly said.
'Doesn't matter if you're involved in racing or if you like racing or not — it's an opportunity to dress up, have a drink and enjoy fresh seafood.'
The event is supported by Sea Harvest, Racing and Wagering WA, and the Gascoyne Food Council, and forms one part of the month-long Gascoyne Food Festival trail.
For more information, head to the
Gascoyne Food Festival website
.
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