One broke all the rules in the most conservative employment environment imaginable and the other continues to break records… the most recent on Saturday 13th April, five days after the death of the other. One is a divisive character who will be fondly remembered as a champion of women and a pioneer who smashed through glass ceilings to reach the top, whilst others are celebrating her passing singing to the tune of The Wizard of Oz song “Ding, dong the witch is dead”. The other is at the top of her game, alive and kicking, admired and adored by all who know her.
One was born in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England on 13th October 1925. Her father was a Grocer who was active in local politics and later became Mayor of Grantham and served as a Methodist preacher. The other was born in Nagambie, Victoria, Australia on 18th August 2006. Her father enjoys the company of a great many females and was a former Doomben 10 000 race winner.
One studied a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and worked as a research chemist in a team developing emulsifiers for ice cream. The other completed a 10 week yearling preparation before commencing her professional career.
One became a Barrister and later the first female leader of a major political party in the UK. One became a Race Horse and is now a household name around Australia and beyond.
One won three consecutive elections and led her country for 11 years. The other has won 25 consecutive races including 15 Group One victories.
One fought against the trade union movement, the class system in the United Kingdom and led a war against Argentina. As a result voters either loved her or loathed her. The other left Australia to prove herself to the world and
raced in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, England and won. In doing so she tore her quadriceps resulting in an extended break.
One became the first female British Prime Minister. She was responsible for market deregulation, sale of government owned assets, and reducing the influence of unions. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Merit (OM), a Lady Companion of the Order of the Garter (UK’s highest order of chivalry) and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the highest civilian honour awarded by the United States). The other was named World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings World Champion Sprinter in 2010 and was the first horse trained outside of Europe to be honoured as European Champion Sprinter in November 2012.
One is often referred to as The Iron Lady, the other as The Champion Mare.
One is of course the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the other a horse, none other than Black Caviar.
You may or may not be a fan of either of these two ladies, however there is no
doubt both have achieved more than most of us and will leave lasting legacies. Two very strong ladies indeed.
Ben Walsh – General Manager – Qld