19/10/2026
Delving in to the Geelong Cup (this Wednesday) Racing This Time TV found a great story combining Kiwi and Aussie racing history.
Debbie Healey and Deb’s Mate made history in 1983 when Debbie became the first “lady jockey” to the win the Cup. While this was historic, the background story was even better- friends, family, and perseverance.
While you would think “Deb’s Mate” was named after Debbie herself, he wasn’t. Not really. A family friend of her parents Errol & Shirley Stockwell - Harness Racing owner, trainer and driver Trevor Payne- had recently raced a successful trotter named Deb’s Pal which was named after HIS daughter Debbie.
Chancing his arm and while he was at the Thoroughbred Yearling Sales, Trevor put up his hand to purchase a c**t by Palm Beach from a mare called Misty Fox. (Palm Beach had built a reputation for siring durable, competitive stayers including the likes of Dandaleith, second to Arwon in the 1978 Melbourne Cup).
Shortly after buying him though, Trevor decided he wasn’t really interested in the thoroughbreds, so offered the renamed “Deb’s Mate” gelding to good friends Errol and Shirley, who decided to buy him, in part to help THEIR Debbie. Good karma!
Debbie was in the process of applying for her apprentice jockey license. In the late 1970’s, breaking into the “ man’s domain” was a major mission that had so many big names “of the Racing Establishment” against it, so it took time.
As great parents, Errol & Shirley’s logic was – “Well if Debbie gets approved, at least she will have one horse to ride” !
In fact, Deb’s Mate (with his stable name Charlie) had four raceday starts (and three wins) before Debbie Healey (nee Stockwell) became officially licensed under the NZ Racing Authority! (Nothing was fast back then).
The rest is history including 25 total wins and the first “lady jockey” to win the Geelong Cup.
Overnight, Debbie & Charlie had not only become best of mates but had attracted international media.
Great people do great things and Debbie & Charlie even stayed with the famous Tommy Woodcock (yes, strapper of Phar Lap fame) while in Australia and the media couldn’t get enough!
When “Charlie” finally retired from the racetrack, he became an “enthusiastic” show jumper as well as a clerk of the course ride. You couldn’t keep him away from the track.
A great Kiwi/Aussie story about one of the women breaking down barriers in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, A great friend offering the chance to her parents to get a quality ride for their daughter. Being part of history. Even nicer because Mum & Dad just wanted to get their darling daughter Debbie, a lift in life.
Debbie now lives on the Gold Coast and whilst Dad (Errol) has sadly passed, mum (Shirley) is a sprightly 99 year old!
A great kiwi yarn !
If anyone can, a Stockwell can, especially with a Charlie.
