From local pony clubs to riding for Gai Waterhouse, apprentice jockey Rachael Murray is loving every minute of her fledging career.
On Thursday at Wyong, Murray rode the Waterhouse trained Rex Is A Star to fifth place, and while disappointed with the ride, was thrilled to be working with one of the icons of the Australian racing scene.
“It was so good to have the opportunity to ride for her, she’s been so supportive,” Murray told AAP.
Murray has enjoyed a solid start to 2013, with two winners and seven placings from 22 rides.
It’s a long way from the frustration of 2012 where she suffered a badly damaged knee at trackwork just as she was poised to have a ride in Melbourne.
“I didn’t believe how serious it was,” Murray said.
“It’s only just starting to feel normal now it’s taken a lot of time to get right.”
“It has been a bit of a hindrance.”
Despite the setback she remains positive and says she has no plans to try her luck in Victoria any time soon.
“My aim for this season, and the rest of my apprenticeship, is to learn as much as possible, get as many rides I can,” she said.
Murray, who said her love of horses came early in life, recently transferred her indentures from Greg Bennett at Scone to Randwick trainer Grahame Begg.
“Growing up in Inverell I always dreamed of making it to the big time, but I never thought it was going to happen,” she said.
Murray’s apprenticeship runs until 2014, and she said she is loving the support and encouragement she is getting within the industry.
One of those is Kathy O’Hara who she said is a good friend.
“She really paved the way for female jockeys,” she said.
Murray will be riding in three races on Saturday at Rosehill.
She will ride Fedde for Begg, a horse she has only previously ridden in trials.
“He looks sensational,” she said.
Murray will also be riding the Mark de Montfort-trained Bonzerina on whom she has two recent city placings, and the Paul Perry-trained Kirinata who she rode to second at Rosehill on January 12.
