Strapper Lucy Bolton awarded the 2020 Women In Racing Canberra Bursary

Bolton's industry ambitions were boosted by winning the Women in Racing Canberra bursary, a $1000 grant presented to a young woman each year to further their education and career in thoroughbred racing.

The 20-year-old works for trainer Keith Dryden as a stablehand while studying a Bachelor of Equine Science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.

The funds will assist Bolton in buying textbooks, resources and moving back on campus next year, with the young strapper set to complete her studies in 2022.

"I was really honoured to be chosen out of all the candidates really," Bolton said.

"I was really grateful that Women In Racing chose me to represent women. It's a really good opportunity they've given to females to help them get a further education.

"Education builds a foundation for women and helps them in the industry, to be able to climb higher."

She would work at the Thoroughbred Park stables between her online classes and rewatch lectures she'd missed.

Bolton was forced to move back to Canberra after the university took their classes online amid the coronavirus outbreak.

For her practical units with animal anatomy, her class would watch the dissections via Zoom and another subject held an intensive workshop for three days in November when restrictions eased.

Bolton is looking forward to returning to Wagga Wagga next year and will link up with trainer Scott Spackman to continue her stable work.

"I was working with him before the coronavirus shutdown at the university. I kept in contact with him and he said I can have a job when I get back," Bolton said.

"I'm really lucky to have those connections."

The bachelor degree will hold her in good stead for a career in racing, with Bolton interested in thoroughbred bloodstocks and potentially becoming a syndicator.

But Bolton's childhood dream was to become a jockey and she is yet to rule out that career path, having spoken to Dryden about letting her start riding track work.

"I always wanted to be a jockey but my parents thought it was a bit dangerous. Hopefully I can start learning how to ride as I leave university, I'd like to get better at riding," Bolton said.

"I've worked for Keith for about 2.5 years and I've recently been talking to him about my childhood dream. I've got my own horse, he's an offtrack thoroughbred.

"I love racing, the opportunities and everyone is so friendly. It's like a big family, especially at Canberra, everyone at the racecourse is really nice."

Women in Racing have a high opinion of Bolton and her career prospects, with president Sue King describing her as an astute individual.

"She's an asset to the racing industry and we're very happy to help her along the way."