New Zealand apprentice Bridget Grylls has celebrated her decision to transfer full time to Brisbane by outriding her three kilogram allowance.
The 21-year-old has ridden more than 100 winners since swapping her university books for a saddle just over two years ago.
Since coming to Brisbane in July on loan to trainer Barry Lockwood at Eagle Farm, she has swept all before her.
Grylls’ double on Coworth Park and Amizade at Doomben on Saturday took her to 11-1/2 wins and third place on the Brisbane jockeys premiership.
She was returning from suspension and during her break was able to have her indentures transferred on a full time basis to Australia.
“I have been enjoying my time here and I have been lucky that a lot of the bigger trainers have been using me,” Grylls said.
“I lose my three kilogram claim so I will just have to work harder.”
Grylls has been getting rides from top stables such as Robert Heathcote, Tony Gollan, Brian Smith and Desleigh Forster.
As a member of one of New Zealand’s most successful racing families, Grylls has the pedigree to do well.
She is the daughter of retired jockey Gary Grylls and the sister of Craig Grylls, both multiple Group One winning riders.
Her grandfather John Grylls was also a Group One winning jockey.
Grylls is the latest in a long line of kiwi apprentices to make their mark in Brisbane including Rosie Meyers, Rachel Mason and Maija Vance.
Meanwhile, Forster will try to convince Amizade’s owner Doug Forbes to keep the filly at home rather than take on stronger company in Melbourne.
“Dougie is talking about some fillies and mares races in Melbourne but the race Amizade won on Saturday was worth $66,000 with the QTIS bonus to the winner.”
“Why go south when the money is the same colour here?”
