PHOTOGRAPHIC LEGEND TAKES ON A ROLE NOT FOREIGN TO HIM

FOR four decades Steve Hart was a “happy snapper”, taking pictures at racecourses here, there and everywhere.

Not one to sit idle, Hart is back managing jockeys and has taken on country apprentice Leanne Boyd.

One of racing’s most acclaimed photographers, Gosford-based Hart called quits on his business at the end of 2024.

But he was more than pleased to answer a request from mature age apprentice Boyd when she approached him at the beginning of last month.

“Leanne asked me if I would be interested in managing her,” Hart said today.

“I was definitely interested and told her I could also add a mentoring role, which I have done in the past.

“Fortunately I have close associations with senior people in the industry, such as former champion jockey Kevin Langby, who I am able to call on for advice when necessary.

“Leanne was happy with everything, and we agreed on a month’s trial.

“That time is up and everything seems to be going well.”

Hart somehow found time previously to manage both Malcolm Fitzgerald and Leann Olsen, along with his busy photographic business.

Fitzgerald’s daughter Mollie has quickly established herself as a very talented apprentice with a brilliant future, whilst Olsen won the Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup on Seto Bridge in 1995.

Hart managed both Jess Drury and Emily Farr last year after closing the shutter on his camera, but was available when Boyd called.

“Jess is a very good rider but has had shocking luck with injuries,” he said.

“She had a bad fall at Gunnedah last May, and I’m not sure whether she has made a decision yet on whether she wants to resume her career.

“Emily has moved from Terry Evans at Tuncurry to Glen Milligan at Taree.

“Leanne (Boyd) has recently switched stables from the mid North Coast to Gavin Groth at Gunnedah, and feels the move will be beneficial for her.

“She can claim 3kg at provincial meetings, 2kg in the country and rides at 52.5kg.”

Boyd has ridden 21 winners, including eight this season.

Her latest success was at Taree last Friday on $9.50 chance Never Island for Group 1 winning former Hawkesbury and now Coffs Harbour-based trainer Noel Mayfield-Smith.

Boyd also rode at Newcastle’s Beaumont meeting yesterday where she had two mounts for her new master Groth, and finished a close third on $13 chance Lucky Ozzie in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1300m).

. Steve Hart can be contacted on 0413 731658 for Leanne Boyd rides.

STORY JOHN CURTIS, FEBRUARY 3, 2026