Champ returns to triumph in Palm Cove race

Danielle Jackman Profile

Giada Pestillo

Email Giada
Last updated:
Danielle Jackman rode horse Mr Nibbles to victory during a Melbourne Cup Day charity race in Palm Cove. Picture: Brian Cassey

The sun-drenched sands of Palm Cove have provided the perfect setting for a remarkable race on Melbourne Cup Day, where former equestrian champion Danielle Jackman thrilled the crowd with a comeback performance on horse Mr Nibbles.

Under bright skies at the fundraiser on Tuesday, November 5, organised by Nu Nu Restaurant, Jackman took Mr Nibbles through a full-speed gallop on the beach, ultimately claiming victory and helping raise more than $125,000 for charity.

“Any chance to ride a beautiful horse on a beautiful beach, I’m in,” Jackman says, her enthusiasm shining as brightly as the Queensland sun.

Her background is in elite-level competition, a lifelong passion that led her to compete internationally in horse trials, which included dressage, cross country and show jumping.

Jackman's journey began early in life, surrounded by a family renowned for its achievements in both sports and business.

As a teenager, she built her first company providing equestrian support staff across the world, and at 22, she made her international competition debut.

The former elite athlete reflected on her time training with horse-industry legends such as Bart Cummings, Andrew Hoy and Lucinda Green, sharing how these experiences moulded her approach to both life and competition.

“All great trainers have the same qualities in common - compassion, discipline, and an unending quest to understand their animals,” Jackman says.

Her experiences in Europe has taught her to move beyond the “cultural cringe” many Australians feel.

“Our sportspeople, intellect, and commercial success are formidable," she says.

"Our isolation seems to breed an incredible output of toughness and creativity.”

Since relocating to Cairns, Jackman has expanded her passions beyond competition.

She adopted Mr Nibbles, a retired New Zealand thoroughbred, who now has a new lease on life as a budding show jumper and frequent rider on Palm Cove beaches.

Through her work with animals, Jackman has found a new calling after launching Woofa, an app designed to promote wellness for both dogs and owners.

Jackman aims to foster a digital community for dog lovers, blending wellness, companionship, and health.

“Walkies and wellness” is the app’s creed, encouraging owners and pets to lead healthier, more active lives.

“Every dog owner knows that their pets help them stay active and boost their mental wellness,” she says.

For Jackman, this blend of competition, charity, and her enduring love of animals is a reminder of the power of community and connection.

“It’s moments like these that remind me of the joy and support we can find in both animals and the people who share our passions.”

Support public interest journalism

Help us to continue covering local stories that matter. Please consider supporting below.


Got a news tip?

Send a news tip or submit a letter to the Newsport Editor here.


Comments

Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.