WA’s latest cohort of apprentice jockeys are starting to take significant strides in the careers, riding in official trials.
Apprentices Tara Atherden, Emily Chapman, Kayla Holroyd, Ebony Johnson, Gemma Taylor and Destynie Pennington have all began trial riding Lark Hill Thoroughbred Training Complex and Belmont Racecourse.
The young riders, make up the new cohort embarking on their journey through the Racing WA Apprentice Jockey Training Program.
It follows their successful completion of the 12-month Trackwork Rider Training Program (TWTP), which provides participants with a nationally recognised Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider).
The TWTP has become a key pathway for aspiring WA jockeys, equipping them with the skills, experience, and confidence to progress to the Certificate IV Apprentice Jockey Training Program.
Peter Hall, one of Racing WA’s jockey coaches, said the Apprentice Jockey Training Program balanced practical race riding experience with formal education, providing apprentices more time to develop their skills while riding with a claim.
“They’ve shown great commitment to developing their riding and are ready to apply their skills to real race-like conditions,” he said.
Fellow Racing WA Jockey Coach John Claite said the beginning of the apprenticeship was an important and memorable moment for every young rider.
“It’s exciting to see them take that foundation into racing and start to make their mark,” he said.
Hall and Claite bring extensive riding experience to the program, having both ridden at the top level across Australia and abroad.
See below for the full list of apprentices and the stables they’re indentured to:
Tara Atherden – Brian Kersley
Emily Chapman – Ryan Hill
Kayla Holroyd – Jim Taylor
Ebony Johnson – Jeremy Easthope
Destynie Pennington – Rob Gulberti
Gemma Taylor – Mitchell Pateman
Josh Miller