In The Paddock With: Emily Scott-Smith, Rushton Park

We're excited to introduce  “In The Paddock With”, our new TBV member profile series. Each month we'll shine a spotlight on one of our valued members, celebrating the people whose passion and expertise help shape Victoria's thoroughbred breeding industry.

Kicking the series off is Emily Scott-Smith of Rushton Park.

We asked Emily what keeps her inspired, both in and out of the industry. Read on to get to know her a little better.

Q: Coffee or tea?

A: Coffee! Hot, strong and with a hint of sweet.

Q: Pineapple on pizza: culinary crime or unfairly maligned?

A: I love pineapple on pizza!

Q: Early bird or night owl?

A: Definitely an early bird.

Q: Country or city – where does your heart really belong?

A: Country - on a million acres, on the back of a horse chasing cattle!

Q: What's your go-to Saturday night meal?

A: Pizza... or any other night that doesn't go to plan!

Q: Fashion or form guide at the races?

A: The horses!

Q: A perfect day off looks like...

A: Spent with my kids on their push bikes while I'm on horseback.

Q: What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

A: You can do everything in life, but not all at once. Not personally given to me, but seen on RHWOM - Chyka Keebaugh

Q: What's a TV show or book you'd recommend?

A: Clarkson's Farm - he's a cracking human.

Q: If you weren't in the thoroughbred industry, what would you be doing?

A: Beef cattle.

Q: What's the biggest lesson the racing and breeding industry has taught you?

A: Time - give them the gift of time.

Q: What's still on your bucket list?

A: One item still at the top of my bucket list is competing in the Garryowen. I'm hoping the recently retired thoroughbred, Mornington Glory, will be my trusted partner. I was lucky enough to be gifted him by his owners/close friends as he retired. He has meant so much to so many people throughout his racing career, and I'd love to bring his story full circle by giving him a successful second career as an off-the-track thoroughbred. It would be incredibly rewarding to see him shine in a completely different discipline.

Q: What was your very first job, and what did it teach you?

A: My very first full-time job was at just 14 years old, working on reception at Cojo Steel. Before long, I moved into estimating, where I learned the value of attention to detail and taking ownership of my work.

The business was built by Nick Cojo, a close friend of my Dad's, who arrived in Australia from Romania with very little. Through consistency, determination, and an unwavering work ethic, he built an incredible empire. He wasn't afraid of anything—he backed himself, embraced opportunities, and tackled challenges head-on.

Watching his journey taught me one lesson that has stayed with me throughout my life and career: be consistent, work hard, and never be afraid. Success isn't built overnight—it's earned by showing up, backing yourself, and giving your best every single day.

Q: If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be?

A: Ant Middleton, Cliff Saunders and George Eccles.

Q: What does success look like to you?

A: Success, to me, has always been about leaving things better than I found them, and that definition hasn't changed over the years.

Whether it's renovating a property, planting trees that future generations will enjoy, educating a young horse, backing the people around me to chase their dreams and be fearless, being conscious enough to simply say "thank you," or stopping to pick up a piece of rubbish, I believe every day presents an opportunity to make a positive difference.

I've never measured success by money or titles. It's about creating something that lasts, improving what's in front of you, and leaving a positive impact on the people, animals, and places you're fortunate enough to be part of. If I can look back and know I've left things a little better than I found them, then I'd consider that a life well lived.

Q: What's currently on your bedside table?

A: A book: The Housemaid. 

Q: What's one habit that keeps you grounded?

A: Going to bed early and getting up before the rest of the world wants anything from you. Those quiet hours in the morning give me time to think, plan, and start the day with purpose before the demands begin. It's a simple habit, but it keeps me grounded no matter how hectic life gets.

Q: What made you smile today?

A: Coffee & shopping date with my kids Mick & Luke, I have to laugh, one hates shopping and the other LOVES it! It's like being out with Jekkel & Hide! 

Visit Rushton Park's website here.