Mum and Dad bought it in the early 1980s, when they decided to settle in Australia. To come back Home means so much to all of us, especially Dad. He always says how happy it makes him when he sees us all together, getting on so well. It’s a simple family home with stables and yards that back onto the Ballarat Racecourse. I grew up there—one of eleven kids. It’s quiet these days, with only Dad and Stevie living in the house, and me staying over from time to time. But on Christmas Day it is filled with the laughter and happiness (and mayhem) of our childhood. It is our place. People often say we are a racing family and I know what they mean. Racing has been our lives. It’s central to who we are—to who I am. But, before everything, we’re a family. By Christmas Eve one or more of my sisters and their families will most likely be staying in the house, having travelled from overseas or interstate. In 2015 it was Cathy and her family from Sydney. She helped get the place ready. On Christmas mornings family members come from everywhere to gather at Mass.
