“I think I fell in love with the whole magic of a secret language and communication with a horse.”
You’ve accomplished so much in your career as a jockey, where did your love of racing come from?
I’ve always loved animals, and was drawn to horses from a young age. I think I fell in love with the whole magic of a secret language/communication with an animal. I was 10 years old when I learnt to ride at St Marys Pony Farm, and from the very first time I sat on a horse at I was hooked.
I had my own horse and competed at Pony Club etc. I started working in a racing stable at 14 years old, and the thrill of being part of helping the racehorses to win was something that gave me great pride. I looked up to the jockeys, and really admired the female jockeys who were riding at the time I was strapping at the races. Jockeys like Caroline Mason, Bernadette Payne, Christine Puls, Sally Wynne. I left school at 15 to become an Apprentice Jockey, and the rest is history!
What's been your most memorable experience at the Adelaide Racing Carnival, as a rider and/or spectator?
Competing on my “home turf” for the Adelaide Racing Carnival was always pretty special to me, I used to get a thrill just getting rides in the “big races” and then to be able to match it with arguably the best jockeys in the world, and some the best horses in the world too was sensational. I rode against Takeover Target and Black Caviar as an example, which were both amazing race days, with the crowds appreciating the spectacle they were.
Winning the Group 1 SA Derby in 2009 on Rebel Raider was an accomplishment I am very proud of, and so satisfying, because to me he showed his staying dominance and the way he did it was with incredible stamina. I wish he had of stayed sound for the 2009 Melbourne Cup tilt. (we all talk about the one that got away in racing!)
Winning the Group 1 Goodwood in 2011 on Lone Rock was a big thrill, as that 1200m race is one of the best sprints, and tough to win. The feeling of riding through the pack and bursting through on the inside to hit the front was exhilarating.
However I would have to rate winning the Group 1 Adelaide Cup in 2006 – and creating history as the first Australian female jockey to win a Group 1 as my highlight of the Adelaide Carnival. I was aboard Exalted Time for Jim Smith, and together we put together a bold plan to lead all the way. I knew I had to judge the pace just right, make it a true staying test, but still to give my horse a breather. Coming around the home turn, I could hear all of the challenges coming behind me, I kept my head done and rode for the finishing line. Exalted Time extended his lead, all I could feel was the blood was rushing through my head, and a surge of pure joy as we reached the winning post. It was such a big thrill, and I was so proud of Time, he tried his heart out for me. This win of a major race like the Adelaide Cup also did put me on the map, and gave me the confidence to know I could compete at the top, all you need is that one opportunity and the hard work can pay off.
If you could own any horse in the world (past or present) which one would it be?
Black Caviar – Would have loved to have met the Queen at Royal Ascot!
Now you’re no longer a jockey, you get the opportunity to be an owner! What does your ownership stable look like?
Over the years I have helped many friends get involved with horses, my parents have had shares in horses as well. For myself, I am only just starting to get involved with some small shares, taking an interest in a couple of different young horses. I have been looking at ways to start a syndicate in Adelaide, to involve more people and create a fun environment while introducing people to the “behind the scenes” with racing stables, track work and a race day experience with friends. I love helping to explain to people the way we work with our magnificent animals to create them into the athletes we see at the races.
You’ve won many races yourself, which race would you most like to win as an owner?
The same I would have loved to have rode the winner of… the Melbourne Cup of course! I am only just starting out on the ownership in a small way, but that’s the beauty and intrigue of horse racing. You never know what that unraced 2yo may be capable of.
How do you decide which horses to get involved with?
I do like to look at breeding, and it helps when I have first hand knowledge of the sire or dam, by either riding against them or riding them myself in races. This can also help when you know a horse who may not have reached their full potential on the track “on paper”, and you know that you may be able to spot a “bargain” in this way.
Anything you didn’t know at the start of your ownership journey that you wished you knew?
You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great! In other words, nothing ventured nothing gained! But seriously just take the first step to get involved. I do wish I had of put together my own syndicate… something I am working on now… watch this space.
