From pony club to the Carnival: the Slaters’ story

Nicole’s grand-scale portrait of Verry Elleegant, the 2021 Melbourne Cup-winning mare who passed away earlier this year, was the centrepiece of the Channel Nine marquee. Her detailed and expressive painting captured the champion’s elegance and strength.

“I always begin with the eye – it’s where the soul is,” said Nicole, a self-taught artist. “Horses are so expressive; every line, every shadow tells a story. Painting Verry Elleegant was my way of honouring her legacy.”

While Nicole’s art captivated guests inside, retired rugby league great Billy brought a dynamic energy to the track as Channel Nine’s roving horseback interviewer. Engaging with winning jockeys moments after their victories, he gave the post-race coverage warmth and insight.

The Slaters’ love for horses began long before their professional lives in art and sport. Growing up in Innisfail, North Queensland, Nicole and Billy met as teenagers at their local pony club. Billy, who initially tagged along with friends, convinced his parents to let him keep a horse at 13. “He convinced his Mum and Dad to let him have one. He worked out where he could keep it and how to feed it, and eventually they agreed. He’s always had that drive to make things happen!” said Nicole.

Their paths diverged when Billy’s rugby league career took him to Melbourne, but they reconnected years later in Cairns. A long-distance romance eventually led Nicole to move to Melbourne, where the couple built their life together.

Horses remain central to their journey, even as they raise two teenagers, Tyla and Jake, and balance busy careers. After Billy retired from rugby league, the Slaters realised a shared dream of owning a 20-acre property near the Mornington Peninsula. The farm is now home to broodmares, foals, and rescue horses.

“Billy grew up in racing – he even rode trackwork for Gai Waterhouse – and has always had a deep passion for the industry,” Nicole said. “For me, it’s about the connection I feel with horses. They’ve been part of my life since childhood. Now, as a family, we’re building something meaningful together.”

On their property, the Slaters are hands-on with daily tasks, from feeding and rugging the horses to mucking out stables. “It’s not glamorous, but we love it,” Nicole added.

Nicole’s art draws on her deep familiarity with horses, reflecting their spirit in every brushstroke. “When I paint, I feel connected to the horse. It’s not just a technical process – it’s about honouring their spirit.” 

Her portrait of Verry Elleegant was a labour of love, showcasing the mare at full speed. “Getting the details right was so important. I wanted the composition to feel balanced and powerful. It was really important to go through the details carefully. I’m quite particular about the balance and composition on a canvas – it has to look just right. I wanted the full leg shot to show her in motion.

“With the reference image, I didn’t want her ears pinned completely back at first, but Billy and I discussed it. That posture reflected her determination, her full focus as she hunted down the finish line.

“She won that race by three or four lengths – it was amazing. I knew the painting had to capture her at peak speed. The muscular detail shows her strength and lets people appreciate her athleticism.”

For both Nicole and Billy, being part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival was more than a professional highlight – it’s a celebration of their shared journey.

“We’ve built our lives around what we love – horses, art, and family,” Nicole said. “To bring those passions to the Carnival and share them with others is a dream come true.”