Born in Darwin and raised in WA, Sydney is now home for this hands on horse girl that has made a career in racing photography and social media.
This week we find out more about Ashlea Brennan, who runs her own racing / bloodstock photography business Ash Brennan Photography.
1/ Where are you from, and what got you involved in the thoroughbred industry?
I was born in Darwin but raised in WA growing up around the stables in Ascot on school holidays. For as long as I can remember I have been around racehorses with my family being involved. My aunty (Kellie Grantham) trains and when I was younger I would stay with her on the school holidays holding horses for the farriers, throwing the hay and helping feed up until I was old enough to get my stablehand licence.
I then used to help her before work sometimes at the track. My mum (Lara Brennan) was foreman for Lou Luciani and had some work experience with him as well. As a part time job while I was studying I worked for Grant and Alana Williams and then just before I moved to Sydney I had also worked for Darren McAullife and Adam Durrant full time.
I moved over to Sydney (the second time) about 4 years ago now. I drove across Australia on my own (never again) and worked in Harness Racing for the first 2 years before making the right decision to move back across to the thoroughbreds.
I wish I had done it sooner! I have no family over here which makes it incredibly tough at times, especially with the WA border being sealed shut, but I am lucky I have so many lovely clients and that keeps me busy!
2/ What does a workday in the life of Ashlea Brennan look like?
Not all days are the same luckily, but on a busy day I can start my morning with track work before heading over to the trials and working there for my clients.
After that I will head home and spend the rest of my afternoon editing the images and giving them to clients. At the moment, sales days are either beach or track work in the morning before heading to Inglis to do inspections and/or sales and then home to finish editing my jobs from the morning.
Wednesdays are probably my most full day with the beach in the morning before heading off to the races. There are a lot of behind the scenes jobs that take up so much time like editing, filing, accounts - all the fun stuff. I also manage social media for a few racing stables Australia wide so I'm constantly on my phone!
3/ Who is your favourite horse and why?
My favourite horse is actually a pacer and his name is RocknRoll Ralph.
He was the first horse I picked and purchased myself as a yearling. I had a crack at working with him myself in Sydney with the intention of getting my trainers licence, but the photography side of things kicked off and I didn't have enough time for him so I sent him to Perth.
It took a long time to get him to the race track but he eventually went on to win a race which was made even more special with my cousin (Michael Grantham) driving him for me. As for the thoroughbreds, I have a big soft spot for Carif (Snowdens) and also a horse I own a share in called Onehelvason with Freedmans.
4/ Tell us about the best day you had at the races or at the sales, and what made it memorable for you?
I haven't done too many carnivals yet but last year's Golden Slipper was one I won't forget. I had my mum and sister over from Perth staying with me and they were on course. Tommy Berry is a close family friend and for him to win the Slipper and have them there was pretty special.
At the last Inglis R2R sale I teamed up with my cousin Michael and one of his owners Mike to purchase a nice Pierro filly (Pierra Art). My cousin and I haven't really had a lot to do with horses together since we were kids (other than Ralph) so it was really nice to work on that together again!
5/ What is your favourite show on Netflix or TV?
Criminal Minds and David Attenborough. One I've watched the seasons countless times and the other I learn a lot from as I study Animal Behaviour and Psychology (cats and horses).
6/ Now that travel has opened again where is the first place you will go?
America! I haven't seen my best friend in over two years since Covid hit so I am set to go there for two weeks in May. I am also looking forward to trying to get to Goodwood this year and well if the Perth border ever opens again, I'll be one of the first on the plane to see my family again!
7/ What is your favourite cuisine and restaurant?
I love pasta, I would have it for breakfast, lunch and tea if I could! My favourite restaurant so far in Sydney is Mr Wongs. Lizzie Jelfs and I share the same Birthday so she took me there as I haven't really explored Sydney that much yet!
8/Name two things on your bucket list?
Photographing a horse I own or have shares in winning a race (that would be a challenge as I get a bit excited) and photographing safari in South Africa
9/ What’s the best advice someone has ever given you?
If they want to, they will- it fits perfectly with so many life situations. Also growing up my pop continuously said, if you're going to do a job, do it properly the first time.
10/ Tell us one thing that not many people may know about you?
I have very poor eyesight. If I don't have my glasses on or contacts in, I can't see much!
