Bella Youngberry has written her name into the Gold Coast Turf Club record books after becoming the first female jockey to claim both the Jockeys’ Premiership and Apprentice Jockeys’ Premiership in the same season.
Youngberry finished the 2025/26 campaign with 34 winners to secure both local titles, while also capturing the Queensland Provincial Apprentice Jockeys’ Premiership with an outstanding 49.5 winners.
Her rise through the riding ranks has been built on strong foundations, with trainers Alan Chau, Bevan Johnson and Brett Bellamy all playing important roles during the early stages of her apprenticeship.
However, it was her move to the stable of reigning Gold Coast Trainers’ Premiership winner Adam Campton that provided the platform for Youngberry to elevate her career to another level.
While the opportunities were there, Youngberry has fully embraced every lesson and challenge, combining dedication, determination and ambition to produce a breakthrough season.
Her success is the reward for countless hours of hard work and a relentless drive to continue improving her riding.
Setting ambitious goals and putting in the work to achieve them has become a hallmark of Youngberry’s approach, but equally important has been making the most of the opportunities that have come her way.
Campton’s stable has proven to be the ideal environment, with its supportive culture and the experienced trainer’s hands-on mentorship helping shape another promising young rider.
Youngberry made her ambitions clear earlier this year when speaking to Racing Queensland.
“I’d love to take out the Gold Coast premiership,” Youngberry said.
“I’d love to have a good crack at the Queensland provincial premiership, as well.”
She achieved both goals before the season was out.
Attention now turns to the metropolitan ranks, where Youngberry is preparing to test herself against Queensland’s leading riders during the new season.
She has previously spoken of her admiration for fellow jockeys Angela Jones and Cejay Graham, and will soon have the opportunity to compete alongside them on a regular basis.
Based on her rapid progression, it would be no surprise if another premiership quickly became her next target, with the Brisbane Apprentice Jockeys’ Premiership appearing a logical objective over the coming seasons.
That title was won in 2025/26 by Jace McMurray, another apprentice who benefited from spending valuable time under the guidance of Adam Campton before establishing himself at metropolitan level.
For Youngberry, the achievements of the past season represent another milestone rather than the finish line, with the next chapter of an exciting career now ready to begin.
