Quick Questions – Getting to know jockey Melea Castle

Keen to make a name for herself in Victoria after serving her apprenticeship in Queensland, Melea Castle is enjoying learning as much as she can – and riding well in the process. We learned more about her..

Did you always want to be a jockey?

No I didn’t but I fell in love with it straight away.

Do you come from a horse/racing family?

Noo, I brought the horses and racing into the family!

What is your first racing memory?

Michelle Payne winning the Melbourne Cup,

Who is your favourite horse and why?

I have a lot of favourites! But ones in my paddock at the moment – Conquer The Stars; he was the first horse I started trackwork back on after having my daughter. We won three in a row – he gave me my first provincial winner and now my daughter rides him so he’s pretty special.

The best horse you have seen?

Zaaki.

Your favourite racing moment?

Riding my first Saturday town winner for my master at the time (Chris Meagher) on a horse called Arentee

Your best ride?

Probably one for my master when I was an apprentice at Eagle Farm on Oaks Day; a horse called Trevelyan – he was an outsider and just kept sneaking up on the fence and got the money right on the line.

Which horse currently racing would you love to be riding?

Any fast ones! Ka Ying Rising.

Who do you admire most in racing?

Probably Blake Shinn or Craig Williams – both are really smart, calm riders. But I admire anyone that keeps showing up and putting in the hard yards.

What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?

Has to be the early mornings; I think a lot would agree. The days are long when you’re doing both track work and races not; just for the jockeys.

What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?

Spending quality time with my daughter and going to the gym.

What is your favourite T.V show?

Law And order.

Best concert you’ve seen?

Pink.

What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?

Tough times never last but tough people do.

Favourite food?

I love any food!

Favourite racecourse?

I really liked the Valley! But I’ve also had a few rides at Flemington and loved it.

If you had not been a jockey what would you be doing?

Probably a personal trainer.