Apprentice Nadia Daniels is making her way to the magical 30 winner mark – the number of wins required for her to be able to ride in the city – and she can’t wait! We learn more about her with our QUICK QUESTIONS…
Do you come from a horse/racing family?
No, but I always had a love for ponies and horses. Watching out my car window driving past farms peaked my interest in horses at a young age which led me eventually into racing.
Did you always want to be a jockey?
Being a jockey was never on the cards for me until I started riding trackwork at 16. I always thought I was going to work with animals somehow though.
What is your first racing memory?
Strapping my first winner in the city for my boss (Nadia is apprenticed to the Pat Carey & Harris Walker stable) – Diamond Decorator. I got a really good taste of what racing can be like that day.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
The recently retired Smoke ‘N’ Oakum. I won a couple races with him and he was the quietest horse at the stables – I always got along with him.
Who is the best horse you’ve ridden?
La Astro Chat who I’ve won three on – he then went on to win at Caulfield, also running in a million dollar race recently.
Your favourite racing moment?
When my friend Celine Gaudray had her first ride in the Melbourne Cup and finished fifth.
Your best ride?
On a horse called Nile Crocodile; wins at Yarra Valley and Moe.
Is there a ride you wish you could do again?
A horse called Estrapaz at Kyneton where I went way too fast head and head with another jockey!
Who do you admire most in racing?
The jockeys Celine Gaudray, Jamie Melham and Carleen Hefel as they have paved the way for women in Victoria. I also admire Craig Williams for how he holds himself.
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
Probably less night meetings and more twilights instead.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
When I ride trackwork in the morning with friends having a laugh.
What is your favourite movie?
Movies like Hunger Games, Divergent and Maze Runner.
Best concert you’ve seen?
Dom Dolla.
Favourite food?
Definitely has to be loaded fries or a steak – very un-jockey like of me!
Favourite racecourse?
Favourites of those I’ve ridden at so far would have to be Pakenham, Bendigo and Moe.
If you had not been a jockey what would you be doing?
Maybe something to do with health, nutrition or fitness, but I can’t see myself doing anything else!
