Margaret Halter

Racing personality

Place of Residence: 42 years in Darwin.
Occupation: Retired.
Family: Husband, Bevan – jockey and trainer;
Daughters, Aureole – trainer; and
Tayarn – jockey and trainer

Brief history of racing industry involvement:

Began riding trackwork while still at school.
Met husband Bevan Halter in 1967 when he joined my father as a rider
Travelled to Darwin in 1969
Rode in the ‘Ladies Races’ at Pine Creek and Larrimah
Worked as a ledger clerk in the betting shops for brother-in-law, Colin Hardy
After the Betting Shop closures in 1985, worked for several bookmakers at the Fannie Bay Racecourse
Have owned or part-owned more than 100 horses in the NT
was the inaugural President of the Northern Territory Owners and Trainers Association (now ROANT)
Is a life member of the Kununurra Race Club.
Margaret has also been very active with pony Clubs and is a life member of the Noonamah Horse and Pony Club

Q & As:

How were you first introduced to Thoroughbred racing?

My father was a trainer and I rode trackwork. I rode in the ‘ladies races’ on the country race tracks.

Your favourite of the race horses that you have owned?

Appian Way won 7 country cups and won 3 races in Adelaide including a race on the opening day of the new Cheltenham Racecourse. Appian Way also won the Darwin Guineas as a 3 year old.

What do you enjoy about the racing industry?

The close-knit family atmoshphere and the love of the challenge of handling magnificient animals.

How do you maintain your involvement?

I still own horses and work for a bookmaker.

How do you view the state of the Darwin racing industry at present?

On a steady upward trend.

How do you see the future of Darwin racing?

On the move – with Sky Channel and TVN and an eye on the Asian market.