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VIC. & S.A. Apprentices

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    Posted: 22 Jan 2015 at 2:46pm
Congrats all of you on gaining entry, a feat in itself I understand Thumbs Up. 8 guys/6 gals Smile

New athletes begin Apprentice Jockey Training Program

  • Racing Victoria
  • 21 January, 2015

The 2015 intake of athletes with RV's Matthew Hyland, Melissa Weatherley and Matthew Pumpa

A new crop of 14 athletes have begun their journey to a career in the saddle – and perhaps Group 1 stardom - after they were officially inducted into Racing Victoria’s (RV) Apprentice Jockey Training Program (AJTP) on Wednesday.

Among the new starters in the renowned RV program are Lachlan King, the son of Emirates Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Steven King, Stephanie Thornton, the teenage sister of outstanding young riders Damien and Boris Thornton and Stephen Brown Junior, the son of successful Flemington horseman Stephen Brown.

In welcoming the aspiring jockeys into the program, RV’s Athlete Development and Industry Careers Advisor, Melissa Weatherley, said each individual would be given extensive coaching to further develop the skills, relationships and experience necessary to succeed at the highest level.

The group underwent a stringent selection process to gain entry into the four-year program which offers specialist learning in areas such as race riding, performance analysis, sports science and sports medicine, as well as media, finance and business skills.

The AJTP has proven to be a success with leading international jockeys Craig Williams and Brett Prebble among those graduating out of Victoria and Weatherley is confident this year’s inductees will be given the necessary foundations to forge successful riding careers in Australia and abroad.

“These athletes will not only hone their race riding skills, learn how to live, eat and train as elite sports people, but will also be equipped with the knowledge support required to develop a career once they decide to retire from professional riding,” Weatherley said.

“Our young athletes continue to receive fantastic opportunities through the program with Harry Coffey, Jye McNeil, Josh Cartwright, Regan Bayliss and Jessica Payne all invited to attend international apprentice-only riding series’ during 2014.

“Exciting opportunities such as these will be presented to these athletes in the program over the next four years and we look forward to assisting their ongoing development.”

The aspiring jockeys will be under the guidance of RV’s Jockey Coaches, retired jockey Matthew Pumpa and former Victorian trainer Matthew Hyland, as well as Jockey Wellbeing and Safety Officer, Ron Hall.

The trio is supported by a team of specialists from program partners including the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) and Exercise Research Australia (ERA).

The 14 athletes being inducted into Racing Victoria’s Apprentice Jockey Training Program are as follows:

Athlete  Trainer  Location 
Benjamin Allen  John Allen  Cranbourne 
Anthony Boyd  Danny O'Brien  Flemington 
Stephen Brown (Jnr)  Stephen Brown (Snr)  Flemington 
Alexandra Bryan  Vincent Nolen  Benalla 
Georgina Cartwright  Jamie Edwards & Bruce Elkington  Geelong 
Mikaela Claridge  Allan Clarke  Hamilton 
Harry Grace  Tim Grace  Benalla 
Leticia Griffin  Dan O'Sullivan  Ballarat 
Jordan Grob  Heath Conners  Geelong 
Lachlan King  Gerald Egan  Mansfield 
Dylan Payne  Mick Sell  Kyneton 
Liam Riordan Troy Corstens  Flemington 
Amber Sims  Daniel Kelly  Ballarat 
Stephanie Thornton  Glenn Thornton  Geelong 



Edited by Gay3 - 29 Jan 2024 at 11:45am
Wisdom has been chasing me but I've always outrun it!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote James Bond Esq Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jan 2015 at 2:54pm
Good luck. Hope to use your 3kg claims soon.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Air Seattle Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jan 2015 at 4:03pm
There are some other famous racing surnames in that list, are they linked too or is it just coincidence?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Geraldo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jan 2015 at 6:01pm
How old are they?
TBV - where it is the Silly Season all year round.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jan 2015 at 6:24pm
I don't know but surmise the youngest about 15/16 & I know Ambers Sims & Anthony Boyd are both mature age, in their twenties & have ridden several winners. She was app'd to Kevin Myers before coming here early last year & he in NSW but desperately wanted to return to Vic. Both have been victims of Vic Racing red tape but all seems sorted now Thumbs Up
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote pnclick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jan 2015 at 6:54pm

Dream comes true for Wagga's newest apprentice

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  • HAPPY DAYS: Wagga apprentice jockey Anthony Boyd at home yesterday with wife Sam and sons Braxton, 14 months, and Chase, 3, as he prepares for his first professional race ride at Albury tomorrow. Picture: Les Smith
HAPPY DAYS: Wagga apprentice jockey Anthony Boyd at home yesterday with wife Sam and sons Braxton, 14 months, and Chase, 3, as he prepares for his first professional race ride at Albury tomorrow. Picture: Les Smith

A LIFELONG dream will come true for Wagga-based apprentice Anthony Boyd when he is legged aboard for his first professional race ride at Albury tomorrow.

Turned away from his home state of Victoria, Boyd has dropped 26 kilograms and packed up his family for a move interstate all in a bid to chase his dream of becoming a fully-fledged jockey.

Boyd left his job with top Melbourne trainer Danny O'Brien six weeks ago to link with Wayne Carroll at Wagga to get the opportunity to take up an apprenticeship.

Boyd, 27, swapped riding the likes of Cox Plate winner Shamus Award for country life and it is a risk that is set to pay off when he jumps in the saddle at Albury tomorrow.

"It's been a massive move and it was a massive gamble to take," Boyd said yesterday.

"I've been working in the racing industry since I was a kid, I first sat on a racehorse when I was six months old, my grandfather was a trainer, my uncle was a jockey and my stepfather was a trainer.

"I always had the desire to be a professional race rider but I never had the belief in myself until now."

Boyd took up riding as an amateur in the picnic circuit in Victoria where he enjoyed 300 race rides but gave that away when his first child arrived almost three years ago.

During that time, Boyd "blew out" to 77 kilograms before he decided to get serious about a life in the saddle.

"I thought I had blown any hope of becoming a professional, I thought it had passed me by," Boyd said.

"It's only when I sat down and thought that if I want to create a future for my kids, it's time to have a decent crack and get an apprenticeship."

O'Brien told Boyd if he got his weight down then he would apprentice him at Flemington and it all looked set to take place until Racing Victoria denied his application for this year's intake.

"I was told by Victorian racing that they couldn't include me in the 2014 apprentice intake so I will have to sit on the sidelines until 2015," Boyd said.

"We went to battle with them on that given I was 27 and had 300 amateur race rides...but I pretty much had the door closed in my face.

"I was literally forced out of my home state.

"I was given an opportunity by Wayne to come here and he helped move my family and has done everything possible to get my apprenticeship set up.

"He's been a massive help."

Six weeks into his apprenticeship in Wagga and Boyd is now 51 kilograms and cannot wait for his rides on Jo Jo Girl and Karawatha at Albury tomorrow.

"When I got the all clear this week and got told I'm allowed to ride on Friday I could have cried," Boyd said.

"I knew the day would come, I just had to belief in myself and I've been able to pull it off.

"I love it here, me and my wife are from the country so we're loving the area and the weather.

"Andy Bloomfield has helped me a lot and I've also got a lot of support from Tim Donnelly.

"Now at my weight, the world is my oyster."

Carroll said Boyd has been a wonderful addition to his stable.

"He's brought a lot of fresh ideas to the stable," Carroll said.

"A lot of different ideas from the way a lot of the city horses are trained and you're always learning in this game.

"It's been really helpful having two good jockeys in Andy and Anthony to ride trackwork together, it's made a big difference."

Given his experience, Boyd will start tomorrow with a two kilogram claim.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jan 2015 at 7:01pm
Well found pnclick Thumbs Up  here's one on Amber who spends most of her working hours on Archie Alexanders' horses.

Sims earns praise for winning ride

By

FORMER champion jockey Patrick Payne spoke in glowing terms of apprentice jockey Amber Sims following her winning ride on Star Of Jeune in a benchmark 70 race over 3045 metres at Warrnambool yesterday.

Star Of Jeune defeated the favourite Clare Island Boy by more than two lengths with By His Design in third place on an eventful afternoon at the races.

Payne, who rode with success in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong before taking up training in 2008, said he could not fault the ride of Sims on the seven-year-old gelding.

“It was a perfect ride by Amber,” Payne said.

“I had instructed her to try and get an easy lead in the 3045 metres race but when that plan failed she never panicked. 

“Amber showed great initiative to just get a seat behind the leader Rich Faith.

“Amber’s got good hands. She just allowed the horse to come from behind the leaders before the home turn and the race was over within a few strides.”

The 19-year-old New Zealand-born jockey who is apprenticed to Ballarat trainer Dan O’Sullivan said she had an easy ride on Star Of Jeune.

“Star Of Jeune travelled really well in the run,” Sims said.

“He just boxed up behind the leaders and when I asked him to go he just cruised past them. Patrick had the horse very fit to run out the 3045 metres.

“Star Of Jeune is rock hard fit so I think he’ll be hard to beat in any distance races in the future that Patrick decides to run him in.”

Sims was having her 10th Australian ride which resulted in her fourth win when she won on Star Of Jeune in the $15,000 race. 

Payne said the four-kilogram claim for Sims was a bonus.

“I think Amber’s got a bright future,” Payne said.

“She’s only had three rides for me but on each occasion she has ridden the horses very well. 

“Her four-kilo claim is very positive for trainers looking to take some weight off the top-weighted horses.

“I’ll look at getting Star Of Jeune ready for some jumping races over the next few months. 

“We’ve given him plenty of time to mature. I think he’s got a bright future as a jumper.”


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hatch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jan 2015 at 8:42pm
Who knows ,some potential champion jockeys might miss a chance to ride in races because they missed the selection group .   Maybe the amateur riding might give them there chance.   Maybe there should be more races for the amateurs for them to show there ability.   Why not picnic races in different parts of Victoria , Avoca and Burrumbeet would be good tracks for them , good for track riders to have a go also .   I feel sure they would be well supported by trainers.    Give all a chance ,not just a selected few .     Some good riders came through the non tote races in the past.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote hatch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Jan 2015 at 7:58am
It would be great to see Anthony Boyd do well, I think everybody likes to see the rejected one do well, I think he has done well with his riding , be good to see him outdo the selected lot.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hatch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Jan 2015 at 9:42am
How many winners has Anthony Boyd ridden ?   Did he go to an apprentice school anywhere ?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Rudolf Steiner Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Jan 2015 at 10:04am
And people wonder why racing is a dead sport. Nepotism still running rampant
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote James Bond Esq Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Jan 2015 at 10:11am
Same as most industries.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hatch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jan 2015 at 10:36am
Restriction of trade , if a young rider can prove they have a lot of ability riding in trials or picnic races and know and abide by all the rules , should they be allowed to have a go?   Or should there only be 14 selected ones , many of them of unknown ability .   Does not sound to be a fair go to me.   Yesterday I heard of a trainer who had a young rider , who had to go interstate to become an apprentice ,leaving him without a rider for his training.   Sounds similar to Anthony Boyd , not so many years ago Victoria had 100 apprentice jockeys , the only training apart from their masters was from a steward who took them for a couple of hours in the evening once a fortnight ,almost no cost , some outstanding champion jockeys came from them .    Victoria is short of track riders , should things be changed.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote The Insider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jan 2015 at 10:46am
Originally posted by Rudolf Steiner Rudolf Steiner wrote:

And people wonder why racing is a dead sport. Nepotism still running rampant

Bad luck if you're not related to the right people. No hope for the kids from the council apartments
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jan 2015 at 11:06am
Originally posted by hatch hatch wrote:

How many winners has Anthony Boyd ridden ?   Did he go to an apprentice school anywhere ?


Yes for the time he was in NSW & I believe one of the above had to threaten legal action to be accepted, fully warranted, imo Wink

Picnic 321 35 39 51 10% 38%
Country National 134 10 7 8 7% 18%
Country Victorian 24 1 2 1 4% 16%

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hatch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jan 2015 at 12:15pm
Thanks for that Gay, it will be very interesting to see how he goes , I don't see where he is riding at now ,   does anybody know.?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Mar 2015 at 4:52pm

Determined Boyd books racetrack return

Racing Victoria first year apprentice, Anthony Boyd

Few jockeys can boast the dogged determination of mature-age apprentice Anthony Boyd.

The 28-year-old has harboured dreams of a career in the saddle for as long as he can remember, having been introduced to the caper by his uncle, John Hunter, also a successful jockey.

In a sadly all-too-familiar tale, there was just one thing standing in his way: weight.

“I always wanted to be a jockey, but ever since I was a kid I was told I was going to be too heavy and too tall,” Boyd said.

A natural horseman, Boyd consigned himself to a career as a track rider for trainer Danny O’Brien, working on a number of the Flemington trainer’s stable stars during the week and race riding on the Victorian picnic scene when time permitted.

However the arrival of his first child, Chase, saw Boyd focus his full attention on his growing family.

During that time away from the track, Boyd “blew out” to a size where he was no longer able to ride competitively.

“I was on the couch one night, watching a video my wife took of me with the kids in the pool and was absolutely blown away by how fat I was,” he said.

“I actually got out to 77 kilograms, I could hardly recognise myself. I started to lose a bit of weight, just for health reasons, and eventually got down to 60 kilograms. At that point I realised it was my opportunity to really have a go at the professionals (riding ranks).”


Anthony Boyd's incredible fitness transformation

Boyd took the opportunity with both hands, re-locating to New South Wales where he began an apprenticeship with Wagga-based trainer Noel Carrol.

With his weight back under control, Boyd began his career as a professional jockey with a bang, securing a winner for Victorian-trainer Brian Cox in his first day at the track.

However after a number of months, Boyd decided to move home to Victoria.

“Having a wife and two kids that far away from our family was quite a struggle,” he said.

“I’d never lived away from Victoria myself and was a bit homesick. Also, most of my rides were coming from Victorian trainers. My heart was always set on being a Victorian jockey, so with that in mind, we decided to return home at try our luck in the home-state.”

Boyd returned to Victoria and joined Racing Victoria’s Apprentice Jockey Training Program (AJTP) as a first-year apprentice in January, 2015.

The 28-year-old admitted going back to school was a daunting challenge, but that it was the best thing he has done for his career.

“It’s amazing the opportunity we’re given here in Victoria through the (AJTP) program,” he said.

“Not only do we have great quality coaches, but to doing the personal training side of things I find incredibly valuable for now and later on down the track.”

Boyd will make his return to professional race riding on Saturday at Werribee, where he was been given a ride by his employer, Danny O’Brien and fellow Flemington-trainer, Mark Kavanagh.

And while he will no doubt be angling to return a winner, Boyd said he was just happy to be given the opportunity to resume chasing a dream he’d had since he was a child.

“I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face when I got the call telling me I had got a ride,” he said.

“To be given an opportunity by people like Mark Kavanagh and Danny O’Brien is just amazing, I’m really grateful for the chance they’ve given me and to be finally getting back to the races.”

By Daniel Miles - @DanielMiles90



Edited by Gay3 - 29 Dec 2015 at 12:39pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Apr 2015 at 11:31am

Egan unleashes newest apprentice

  • James Tzaferis @Jtzaf
  • 2 April, 2015

Mitch Aitken, pictured here at last year's AJTP induction with Greg Carpenter and Chad Schofield

Gerald Egan is not one for hyperbole.

Of very few words, the veteran Mansfield trainer prefers to let his horses do the talking on the track. The same can be said for the jockeys whose early careers he helps nurture, for as much as Egan trains horses, his reputation for conditioning young riders is unrivalled in Victoria.

Egan’s stable has doubled as a classroom for Group 1 winners Luke Nolen and Nick Hall, and is the current home of reigning Victorian Apprentice Premiership winner Jye McNeil.

On Saturday, his latest apprentice to the track, 17-year-old Mitch Aitken, begins his professional career with four rides at Kerang’s non-TAB Cup meeting.

“We’re not in a hurry because he’s small and light so he’s got plenty of time to develop and improve,” Egan said.

“In saying that, he’s had a good grounding and he goes to the track on Saturday in good stead.”

A “good grounding” is a fair assessment. Before being inducted into Racing Victoria’s (RV) Apprentice Jockey Training Program (AJTP) in January 2014 and relocating to Mansfield, Aitken had been taught the ropes by his father, former jockey Ron Aitken.

The last 18 months have seen the teenager mix his time at Egan’s with monthly AJTP classes, where he has been under the watchful eye of leading industry educators, training providers and mentors.

“Dad taught me how to ride as a kid and then he sent me to Mansfield and Gerald has polished me off,” Aitken said.

“He’s been a good influence and he’s taught me a lot on what the industry is all about and the things I should and shouldn’t be doing.

“Obviously there aren’t many better than Gerald to go to with questions but I’m lucky to have (RV Apprentice Jockey Coaches) Matty Hyland and Matty Pumpa and also dad to rely on as well.

“Everything’s been going well and now Gerald thinks I’m ready to start race riding and personally, I feel that I’m ready as well.”

Aitken will take rides for trainers Paul Banks, Leslie Robertson and Greg Hogan in support races on Saturday’s Cup program and will partner Jane Duncan’s veteran mare Golden Ella in the day’s feature event, the $15,000 cluBarham Kerang Cup (1800m).

In trademark Egan style, Aitken is not getting ahead of himself and is fully subscribed to his employer’s patient approach.

“I appreciate the trainers for putting me on and giving me the opportunity and I’m hopeful all of them can be in the mix,” Aitken said.

“She’s (Golden Ella) on the bottom weight which I can make with the claim and she should go well.

“She’s a horse that can lead and on such a tight track it could be one of the ones to beat.”

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WarriSymbol Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Apr 2015 at 5:03pm
Tatura Cup win for Anthony Boyd. Going well.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Apr 2015 at 8:18pm
This young fella came from behind to win on his Dads' horse Lardie Lass, today at Mornington today Clap

Educated and ready to go, debutant rider Ben Allen jumps aboard for his biggest test

  • DARYL TIMMS
  • Herald Sun
  • April 20, 2015 6:00PM
Ben Allen will make his debut as apprentice jockey at Mornington on Tuesday. Picture: Jas

Ben Allen will make his debut as apprentice jockey at Mornington on Tuesday. Picture: Jason Sammon

SCHOOL is out for Ben Allen on Tuesday.

The 15-year-old has a far more important assignment — making his debut as apprentice jockey at Mornington.

After more than 300 unofficial trials, around 55 official trials and nearly two years riding track work at Cranbourne, he is ready for the real thing after being brought up in racing family.

The year 10 Pakenham student is apprenticed to father John Allen, who is a trainer and former amateur rider. Ben’s sister, Rachael, was also a jockey.

She was forced out of race riding after a fall, but his brother Matt is still a successful jockey.

Weighing in around 45kg, Ben has been booked for two rides for his father on Tuesday and will make his debut in the fifth race on picnic performer Stan The Man and then on Lardie Lass, ridden to a last start win by his brother.

Ben’s sister Mandy, who runs breaking and pre-training centre, will be her brother’s booking agent.

Ben Allan after winning an official trial on Prince Rahy at the new Pakenham racecourse l

Ben Allan after winning an official trial on Prince Rahy at the new Pakenham racecourse last month. Picture: Jason Sammon

As far as nerves go, Allen’s father John doesn’t expect any when he legs-up Ben for his first ride.

“Ben would probably be the best prepared apprentice as far as anyone goes because he has had 300 trials and (Monday) morning we had jumpouts and he did nine or ten ... all the trainers use him,” Allen said.

“He has really been groomed up and he is ready to go.

“Stan the Man will probably finish in the middle of the field but he’ll give him a good feel of the track.’’

John says his two boys are competitive and Matt has already reminded Ben that Lardie Lass is a last start winner with him in the saddle victory and jokes that he’ll be watching the race from the fence, throwing stones.

Ben Allan has been building up his experience over the past two years. Picture: Jason Sam

Ben Allan has been building up his experience over the past two years. Picture: Jason Sammon

“But I have told him, win lose or draw, there’s always another day and it’s important to learn something from it and there’s no pressure,” John said.

Ben says there was never any doubt he’d be a jockey and recalls running around the horse in his brother’s old racing gears.

He is out of bed by 4am to arrive at the Cranbourne Training Complex track with his father about 5am to ride track work — and then there’s school.

“Normally mum (Sam Clipperton) brings my school clothes to the track and I have a shower and get changed in the toilets and go to school,” Ben said.

“I get to school about 9.30am.

“But it’s all been worth the wait and I’m really looking forward to my first ride.’’

Ben says his mother, who is related to Sydney jockey Sam Clipperton, wants him to finish year 10, but he’s hoping to bow out of school at the end of the year.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote subastral Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Apr 2015 at 8:54pm
He looked really good on his winner today. Some of the other 4kgs apprentices look dreadful, so hopefully this kid can make the grade.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote pnclick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Apr 2015 at 9:17pm
Spot on there Sub,

Race 5 at Seymour last Sunday was a case in point!!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cabosanlucas Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Apr 2015 at 12:00pm
good luck to all the kids, and not so kids.

three apprentices i rate:

dylan dunn. weight issues mightbe his biggest issue.

nick heywood. no surprise if he istaken on by a city stable.

m.j.dee. kiwi kid. can ride.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 May 2015 at 6:04pm
Don't be frightened off Anthony Boyd rides, he's a mature age at 28, works hard for Dan O'Brien so fitness isn't a problem & is ably managed by Nadia Horne.
He presently runs at 40 rides this month for 7 winners with a 15/7  record at 'country' tracks. He rode an $18 winner today at B'rat, hanging on by a nostril, a $16 job earlier this month & picked up a short priced one for Salanitri at Moe having only gone for the one 50/1 shot so he's keen Thumbs Up Unfortunately the latter cost him a suspension on Tues at Geelong but at least he's gone out a winner Clap
Wisdom has been chasing me but I've always outrun it!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 May 2015 at 9:06pm

Great effort @BOYDIE_23 with another winner today @BallTurfClub - makes it 4 for the week!!

Wisdom has been chasing me but I've always outrun it!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Campaspe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 May 2015 at 9:57pm
Mitch Aitken rode his first winner at Wodonga today, and a few races later turned it into his first double.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote WarriSymbol Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 May 2015 at 11:47pm
Originally posted by Rudolf Steiner Rudolf Steiner wrote:

And people wonder why racing is a dead sport. Nepotism still running rampant

Why on earth, with such a low number of places available for the apprentice intake, would a place go to a 15 year old who weighs 53kg and is 185cm tall?
Stephen Brown jnr had said as he is already clearly taller than his father he doesn't believe he will get any taller.
I can just about guarantee him that from 15 to 25 he will certainly get heavier.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 May 2015 at 3:09pm

Double delight for apprentice Aitken

Mitch Aitken

Mitch Aitken aboard Jet Zena (Photo courtesy of Slickpix)

As the saying goes ‘when it rains, it pours’ and that was certainly the case for young Victorian apprentice Mitch Aitken at Wodonga on Saturday.

Coming into the meeting, the 17-year-old was still chasing his first winner after a few near misses in his first 34 rides.

But the drought was set to break and Aitken delivered a couple of outstanding efforts to not only notch his first victory, but collect a double.

“I was rapt,” he said.

“It took a while, I was (around the mark) but finally got there.”

The wins came in different fashions too, the Wayne Nichols-prepared Jet Zena coming from well back while Vainrite, who is trained by Aitken’s boss Gerald Egan, sat on the pace before kicking away to win impressively.

“It’s a big thrill (when you cross the line for your first winner),” Aitken said.

“One for the boss as well, which was very exciting.”

Aitken took plenty out of the day, one he won’t forget in a hurry, and hopes it can springboard him to more success.

“It gives you a bit more confidence and keeps you focused and I just want to do it more,” he said.

“I’ll keep listening to my boss and the all the jockey coaches and everyone else who is supporting me.

“I’m taking a lot out of it all.”

Wisdom has been chasing me but I've always outrun it!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote The Insider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2015 at 7:06am
Originally posted by WarriSymbol WarriSymbol wrote:

Originally posted by Rudolf Steiner Rudolf Steiner wrote:

And people wonder why racing is a dead sport. Nepotism still running rampant

Why on earth, with such a low number of places available for the apprentice intake, would a place go to a 15 year old who weighs 53kg and is 185cm tall?
Stephen Brown jnr had said as he is already clearly taller than his father he doesn't believe he will get any taller.
I can just about guarantee him that from 15 to 25 he will certainly get heavier.

No problem with the kid getting a chance, however it should not be at the expense of another young person who misses out. Maybe increase the intake numbers because good kids are missing out.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jun 2015 at 6:25pm

Third-time lucky as apprentice Anthony Boyd chases career in saddle

  • MICHAEL MANLEY
  • HERALD SUN
  • JUNE 04, 2015 8:00PM

Jockey Anthony Boyd returns to scale after winning aboard Smokin Hoaks at Ballarat. Pictu

Jockey Anthony Boyd returns to scale after winning aboard Smokin Hoaks at Ballarat. Picture: Mark Dadswell

ANTHONY Boyd is the odd rider out in the first-year intake of Victorian apprentices.

Boyd, 28, married and a ­father of three, has had to overcome a lack of self-belief, weight problems, a battle with depression and doors being shut in his face to pursue his childhood dream.

He has also had two previous careers as a jockey — one as a picnic rider and another as an apprentice in NSW.

Boyd started his third incarnation almost three months ago and since then he’s ridden 14 winners including success in the Tatura Cup.

He’s ridden three winners this week at Ballarat and Hamilton and has 14 rides over the three-day Swan Hill carnival, which kicks off on Friday.

Boyd, who decided he wanted to be a jockey when he was eight, is the nephew of successful country jockey John Hunter and his stepfather, Neil Boyd, was a pre-trainer and breaker at Ballarat.

Apprentice jockey Anthony Boyd when he was 77kg and now at 52kg.

Apprentice jockey Anthony Boyd when he was 77kg and now at 52kg.

Boyd began track riding at Ballarat aged 12 and wanted to become a jockey but was told by several trainers that he was too big.

He left Ballarat and joined trainer Ricky Maund at Phillip Island when he was 18 and took out a licence as a picnic meeting jockey, riding on the circuit for five years and notching 30 winners before giving it away.

Boyd was also riding trackwork for trainer Danny O’Brien but, when his weight ballooned to 78kg, he had to stop.

“I was in a bad spot. After seeing how big I was I went on a health kick and my weight dropped to 58 kilos,” Boyd said.

Supporting his family as a trackwork jockey was difficult so, with the support of O’Brien, Boyd decided to become an ­apprentice.

He missed the 2014 application window but was able to start his apprenticeship in southern NSW and he joined the Wagga stables of Wayne Carroll.

But he was on the road all the time, and Carroll eventually terminated his apprenticeship.

Boyd moved back to Melbourne and rejoined O’Brien’s operation, and after a six-month wait, he joined the Racing Victoria apprentice intake.

“I can’t thank Danny enough for his support. Also James Winks has been a great mentor to me,” Boyd said.

“My riding’s still a bit untidy but I’m improving.

“I picked up some bad habits at the picnic meetings which I’m getting rid of.”

Wisdom has been chasing me but I've always outrun it!
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