Shanae & Paddy: From the Racetrack to JNSW Amateur of the Year

Meet Shanae Bohr-Howell, an amateur showjumper based on the Albury/Wodonga border. Alongside her Thoroughbred Paddy (race name Daunies Surprise), Shanae has spent the last year travelling up and down the East Coast competing at some of Australia's biggest shows, from Magic Millions on the Gold Coast to ultimately taking out the 2025 Jumping NSW Amateur of the Year Series.

Paddy has been part of the family since 2017, after Shanae’s pop Trevor came home from the Inglis Yearling Sales with a colt he definitely wasn’t supposed to buy.

Meet Paddy

“My nan firmly told him not to buy another horse and definitely not to take the checkbook. Pop’s selective hearing was clearly switched on.”

Despite the instructions, Trevor returned home with a striking colt by Dawn Approach out of Testagame, and a very surprised nan, Daune. His race name, Daunies Surprise, became a nod to both his sire and Shanae’s nan, Daune.

Paddy was later trained on the track by Shanae’s mum, Jodie, but according to Shanae, he was "probably the slowest racehorse we ever had". Fortunately, Jodie's partner Ross, who comes from a high-level equestrian background, saw potential in him early, and Paddy soon began a second career in showjumping.

Safe to say, he's proven to be much quicker once the jumps went up. Now competing confidently around the 1.20m tracks, Paddy has become known for both his scope and his personality.

“We always joke that if Paddy isn’t naughty when being ridden, something must be wrong.”

Reflecting on 2025: A Huge Season

The 2025 season became their biggest yet.

Competing confidently around the 1.20m tracks, Shanae and Paddy travelled extensively across New South Wales and Queensland, balancing major competitions with full-time work, early mornings and endless hours on the Hume Highway.

Based in Albury, every show involved serious travel — whether heading three hours south to Melbourne or six north to Sydney.

One of the season’s standout moments came at Magic Millions on the Gold Coast, where the pair finished an impressive third place, less than a second off the win.

“The whole experience at Magic Millions is unreal. I remember thinking how crazy it was to be taking my little Thoroughbred around there alongside some of the best horses in the country.”

But despite the glamour of the bigger events, Shanae says winning the Jumping NSW Amateur of the Year Series was the defining moment of the season.

“To come out on top after all the sacrifice and hard work… it honestly meant the world.”

Shanae and Paddy (Daunies Surprise) taking out JNSW Amateur of the Year Series 2025, in full Wilma Sport gear. Photographer: Simon Scully Photography

In Wilma Sport

Long competition days and endless travel mean comfort and practicality matter. For Shanae, her everyday staples this season have been the Classic Hybrid Breeches in Pure White and Slate Grey.

“They somehow survive me getting them filthy every show and still clean up exceptionally well.”

Her standout favourite, though, has been the Aero Competition Jacket.

“I’m a sweaty girl and my horses definitely make me work hard, so having a jacket that’s actually breathable is amazing.”

Shanae and Paddy (Daunies Surprise) at Border District Showjumping Club at their local grounds, Albury Wodonga Equestrian Centre. Photographer: Grain and Mane

What’s Next?

After a well-deserved break following a huge 2025 campaign, Paddy is now gearing up for the next phase, including Thoroughbred Sport Horse Association National Titles 2026 at Stonewall Equestrian this week.

While there were discussions about stepping straight into 1.25m and 1.30m classes this year, Shanae has decided to focus on consolidating at 1.20m and continuing to target major OTT events.

Long-term, she still has her eyes on a Mini Prix start.

“Realistically, I don’t work full time in horses and I haven’t had all the same opportunities some riders have, but I think it’s a realistic dream if I keep working hard.”

And if the last season proved anything, it’s that Paddy has already exceeded plenty of expectations, proving that sometimes the “slowest racehorse in the stable” can turn into something pretty special.

Shanae and Paddy (Daunies Surprise) celebrating their win at Equimillion 2025 with the family behind the journey: grandparents Daune and Trevor, Ross and mum Jodie, and husband Matt (L to R). Photo supplied by Shanae.