Horse racing is a lifestyle Taylor-ed for Lochie

The Taylors are well known in racing circles and have long been a horse family. 

Lochie Taylor is the third generation of his clan to choose a life with horses and he’s proud of the tradition started by his grandparents Lois and Mick Taylor. 

Three generations still join in the chores at the family property in Bullsbrook, including Lochie’s trainer dad Jim Taylor, his TV racing personality sister Brittany and grandmother Lois, who holds a special place in racing history as one of the first female trainers in Western Australia. 

“Nanny and Grandad were originally involved in harness racing but when Dad wanted to become a jockey they switched into the gallops,” Lochie said. 

“Dad was a jockey for years before becoming a trainer and now my sister and I both work in the stables. 

“Racing is a hard occupation and the hours are long, often for not much reward, so you need your family to understand what you do. 

“My favourite part is being able to work with horses and my family together.” 

Even for people who grow up with horses and choose to live alongside them, a few always stand out and, for Lochie, two of the most special horses so far have been Carocapo and Lorentinio. 

“Carocapo was one of the first horses I spent a lot of time with, from when he was about two years old,” Lochie said. 

“He’s a quirky horse and a bit of a handful at times but he’s won more than $400,000 in prize money.  

“When you prepare a horse like him for racing and then he’s successful, it’s a really good feeling.” 

He describes Lorentinio as having a more gentle and humble character – and less superstar presence.   

“He’s not the greatest looking horse but what he doesn’t have in looks he makes up for in personality and the effort he puts in,” Lochie said. 

“He’s the easiest horse to deal with and, whenever we take him to the races, he tries his heart out. 

“He can be around little kids and babies and be as quiet as a lamb.” 

With the Taylor pedigree, Lochie’s career choice is not surprising. For him, it’s very simple.  

“We’re horse people. It’s what we know.”