Boom apprentice John Kissick is making big noise in Melbourne, and rightfully so, thanks to several peach rides, including Sumakaray at Moonee Valley last Saturday. But in New South Wales, trans tasman young gun Courtney van der Werf is making some noise of herself. So far this season, she has ridden 30 winners and has the fourth best strike rate, with Christian Reith, Robert Thompson and Blake Shinn ahead of her.
She should be sky high in confidence thanks to her rich vein of form…but she was quickly reminded of how low her job can get when her fellow rider, as well as close friend and mentor Ashlee Mundy, lost her life thanks to a race fall in New Zealand on the weekend.
“It’s been tough since her (Mundy) passing,” van der Werf said.
“She taught me the basics I needed to know to ride race day.”
“She was a huge influence on me as far as being a hard working, well behaved and dedicated apprentice. I wouldn’t have come this far without her and her huge amount of support for me. She loved seeing me succeed and even though she’s no longer here I know everytime I ride she’ll be with me helping me every step of the way.”
Just over 24 hours after learning of Mundy’s passing, the apprentice rode on Inverell Cup Day and booted home a treble, including the feature race aboard rank outsider Tully Bolero. Only the very good jockeys can boot home favourites as well as win on roughies. It also shows how much ticker this young lady has.
It’s back to business for the kiwi as she has a full book of rides at Tamworth, starting off with Waggabilla in the Class 3 Handicap (1400m).
“Even though he’s looking for more ground, he’ll still appreciate the 1400m,” She said.
“I will be expecting a big improvement from his last two runs due to them being too short for him.”
Next up is Shafali Lad, for local trainer Mark Mason in the 1400m Maiden Plate.
“His last run behind Limitation wasn’t too bad,” The apprentice said.
“He hasn’t got much form, but a weak maiden field, good barrier draw and 1.5kg off should all help.”
The first of her main chances comes up in the third race, where she’ll steer Hezasmartypants for her boss Greg Bennett.
“He is a very tidy little horse, who can gallop.”
“He has got good gate speed and draws barrier three, which will suit him to the ground, plus his second trial at Scone this prep was very good.”
Her next ride is Witchy Women, who contests the fourth race for Quirindi trainer Scott Thompson.
“Her two career starts aren’t shocking but she will need improvement.”
“The extra 200m may help and draws barrier two, so she will be able to sit in behind the pace and have every chance without having to make up too much ground.”
The 19 year old was quite bullish when talking about the chances of A Long Way, who contests the Class One Plate (1600m).
“He has a bad barrier draw, but enough speed to cross the field and get handy,” She said.
“There is not much pace in the race so it will suit him. He went a nice race first time over the 1600m at Tamworth last start and his previous form is very good.”
“It isn’t an overly strong field so a definite chance.”
In the Benchmark 65 race, van der Werf will be aboard White Stocking, who is rising in grade for trainer Jane Clement.
“She went a good race last start at Tamworth,” The apprentice said.
“She has got gate speed but there is A bit of pace in this race so from barrier eight it will probably be best to sit in behind the speed. She runs on well and will carry no weight.”
The young kiwi produced a wonderful ride to get Zumba Magic home last start at Armidale. She sticks with the daughter of Magic Albert in the seventh race.
“Only a very small horse and although she won last start she was screaming out for more distance, so will be a better horse over ground.”
“Stronger competition this time but there isn’t much pace in the race so will hopefully be up near the speed which will suit and she tries hard.”
Her best ride of the day comes in the lucky last. She’ll partner Mighty Bender for Bennett after piloting the gelding to victory first up at Muswellbrook.
“Tough horse, and he showed last start he goes best fresh,” van der Werf told justhorseracing.
“It was a very good run last start considering the circumstances.”
“He ran well second up last prep and should have improved from his first up run this time in.
“He has won at Tamworth, so I’m expecting another honest run from him on Friday.”
“I have a handy book of rides at Tamworth, but I am keen on the chances of both Greg Bennett trained geldings and the Leon Davies trained A Long Way.”
Van der Werf got the experience of a lifetime for an up and coming apprentice last weekend-Riding in the city on a Saturday.
“I really enjoyed riding at Canterbury last Saturday,” She said.
“Believe it or not the atmosphere was very relaxing.”
“Being able to ride next to the likes of Glyn Schofield, Corey Brown and Hugh Bowman was an amazing experience, the race was run very orderly and calm and everyone knew where they needed to be.
“I can’t wait for another opportunity to ride in town again.”
If she keeps her sparkling form up, she’ll get more than just another opportunity.
