A dairy farmer in her native New Zealand, a stint riding as an amateur in Western Australia, time back home pre-training and training and then to the Sunshine Coast where, at the age of 39, she began her apprenticeship with Stuart Kendrick, Stephanie Tierney does not have the usual becoming a jockey story! Let’s find out more about her…
Do you come from a horse/racing family?
My nana trained trotters many moons ago and my mother owned a few horses long before my time, it was obviously in the blood.
Did you always want to be a jockey?
Always had admiration for jockeys but never had the confidence to do it myself so ( went the training route first.
What is your first racing memory?
School stopping to listen to the Melbourne Cup.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
Maximum Output. The most honest racehorse, he gives it his all every time despite his tiny stature.
Who is the best horse you have ridden?
Levante – had the pleasure of breaking her in; she was special from day one!
Who is the best horse you have seen?
Winx.
Your favourite racing moment?
My first win on Maximum Output.
Your best ride?
Italian Dancer at Rockhampton. Tricky horse to ride made the win even more satisfying.
Best ride of another jockey you have seen?
Jake Bayliss, rode a winner for me when I was training in New Zealand – he burst through the field late to win by a few lengths.
Is there a ride you wish you could do again?
Every one I haven’t won on.
Which horses currently racing would you love to be riding?
Ka Ying Rising and Pride Of Jenni.
Which horses from the past would you love to have ridden?
Winx and Chautauqua.
Do you think horses know they have won?
Absolutely, the confidence they get after a win is unreal. Some already have the natural instinct and ability to win and others need a little confidence to know the top spot is up for grabs if they are brave enough to challenge it.
If you time travel into a past racing moment what would it be?
Watching Seabiscuit vs War Admiral.
Who do you admire most in racing?
Everyone behind the scenes. The long hours, hard work, love and attention that the stables hands, strappers and trainers give to their horses.
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
Support and training pathways for people wanting to get into the industry.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
My first ride as an amateur years ago in WA – 800m Stockmans Flutter, literally in a stock saddle, which was just as well because I went bush for a few strides!
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
Catching up with family and friends.
What is your favourite T.V show/movie?
Yellowstone/Law Abiding Citizen.
Best concert you’ve seen?
Foo Fighters.
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
It’s never too late to be what you might have been.
Favourite food?
Chicken schnitzel.
Favourite racecourse?
Sunny Coast and Rockhampton.
If you had not been a jockey what would you have done?
Clerk Of The course.
