Julie Snook: How miRunners changed horse racing

20th Sep 2017

We recently caught up with miRunners unit owner and Channel 9 sports reporter Julie Snook as she drove to her parents’ home in Broken Hill.

Tell us a little about why you agreed to join the miRunners owners’ community.

“It’s a wonderful and simple concept to be part of and I think what I like most about it is that it’s available to people from any walk of life.

I grew up with horses, I’ve been close to horses all my life and my parents still are. My Mum was a strapper with the John Poletti stables in the late 1970s so I’ve always enjoyed being around horses and they have been a big part of my life from day one. I’ve always wanted to become more involved but until now thoroughbred ownership has always been for the “elite”.

“MiRunners has changed that.”

What’s the horse ownership experience been like so far?

“You feel you are part of the process every step of the way and we’ve not even got to the track yet! It’s such good fun and something very special to be part of.

“The miRunners concept has made it so achievable and so realistic to now consider owning a racehorse. I have lots of friends calling me to ask about the idea and when I take them through how easy it is, they’re excited about giving it a go themselves.”

You mentioned that horses have long been a part of your life. Why is that?

“There’s something about racehorses that is quite special to be around. They all have wonderful personalities. I recently did a story with the wonder mare that is Winx: she is almost human in her personality and there’s no doubt she’s a real athlete. It’s special being involved with and up close to these horses.

“Champion racehorses definitely know when the cameras are on, when to perform, and when to pose! We’ve already seen that with our miRunners colt Saganaki up at Emeran Park.”

You mentioned that your mother was once a strapper here in Sydney.

“She was, and she loved the job. It’s interesting that although my family worked for many years in the industry we still couldn’t imagine being an owner of a racehorse in any capacity. But here we are!

RECENT NEWS: Benefits of miRunners ownership

“Thoroughbreds’ carers and strappers are very much at one with the animals under their care and the bond between them is very special. Racehorses are given the best of care and consideration and when the racing stars such as Winx and Black Caviar fly to overseas race meetings, I think they enjoy the business class treatment!

And finally, tell us about the miRunners community.

“My partner is also involved with the ownership and we talk about this new community as much as we can. miRunners has got people talking and we’re hearing interest from friends considering buying units as gifts, which is wonderful. I recently mentioned miRunners to a friend in the media industry and he bought units as Father’s Day gifts which is a lovely thought.

“When we went to see Saganaki at Emeran Park, we were treated like royalty and we loved our time there. He’s a gorgeous young horse. It’s a great experience – an experience anyone can be a part of!”