Earning great respect as she rides for some of the country’s biggest trainers, recent Victorian Jockeys Association Outstanding Apprentice Jockey In Training Award winner Emily Pozman took time out of her busy schedule to answer our quick questions…
Do you come from a horse/racing family?
I was lucky enough to grow up riding horses but I’m the first jockey in my family.
Did you always want to be a jockey?
Yes it was my dream but I was always steered away from it due to my height, it never became reality until I started working for Peter Moody and he supported me.
What is your first racing memory?
Stopping class to watch the Melbourne Cup in primary school.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
Tough question but my favourite horse to ride is Gallant Son. He has the best attitude and he tries his heart out for me. I rode my first Flemington winner on him and ride him each morning at track work.
Who is the best horse you’ve ridden?
Probably I Wish I Win although Sheza Alibi is pretty fast too!
And the best horse you have seen?
Winx when she won her fourth W.S Cox Plate.
Your favourite racing moment?
My first Caulfield win on Gracie’s Rain, it was our third win together and I enjoy riding winners for Michael Huglin, he was my first ever boss in racing in 2016.
Your best ride?
Any winner – no such thing as a bad winning ride!
Best ride of another jockey you have seen?
Trumby Nolen making a triumphant return on I Wish I Win in the Kingsford Smith Cup.
Is there a ride you wish you could do again?
Plenty! But a race can only be run once and sometimes you have to let go and focus on the next.
Which horse currently racing would you love to be riding?
Ka Ying Rising.
Which horse from the past would you love to have ridden?
Black Caviar.
Do you think horses know they have won?
I think the best horses are ultra professional and proud, and they sure know when they’ve done something special.
If you time travel into a past racing moment what would it be?
Good question. Maybe when Michelle Payne won the Melbourne Cup, I wish I was riding back then and could have been in the jockeys rooms that day. I’m sure back in 2015 it was a pretty empty female jockeys room.
Who do you admire most in racing?
I’ve had a lot to do with Luke Nolen and I will always admire how humble he is. He was injured for a long period recently and would do some form for me and take time out of his day to discuss my races with me. He also handles pressure better than anyone I know. Before a Group 1 ride he’ll look at you and say “hold my beer” and then go and give a 10/10 ride and get the job done like it’s really that easy.
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
I appreciate and understand that our industry runs off betting and punters but I do wish they’d stop contacting us when they do their money on a bad bet.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
Not sure on one particular moment but I get to ride trackwork each morning with my best friend and boss Kat Coleman and that’s always very fun.
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
Riding my own horses, going for a walk or reading a book.
What is your favourite book/T.V show?
Books Harry Potter. And love any Taylor Sheridan TV show,
Best concert you’ve seen?
The Script.
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
Whatever will be, will be.
Favourite food?
Chocolate.
Favourite racecourse?
Had the most luck at Sandown. It’s a very fair track.
If you had not been a jockey what would you have done?
I’ve always said the police force.