Back Yourself!
Sign-up and start betting with Ladbrokes in 2 minutes!
Back A Winner with Neds!
Sign-up and start betting with Neds in 2 minutes!
Daily Racing Specials!
Sign-up and bet with Australia's best new bookmaker!
#1 Ranked New Bookie
Sign-up and bet with Australia's #1 ranked new bookmaker!
Best Of The Best Odds!
Bet With Palmerbet and get Paid Top Fluc or Top Tote!
Massive Odds on All Races!
Sign-up and start betting with PlayUp in 2 minutes!
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Search
 

The thrill of race riding and the exhilaration of winning can be intoxicating for a jockey.

Conversely battles with injuries, form and opportunities can be exasperating.

Unfortunately for Kayla Cross her recent history falls into the latter category.

That’s why her win at Broome last Saturday was tinged with an added layer of personal satisfaction.

Following a 14-month injury layoff, Cross booted home a winner on the Angela Smith-trained Reucoop.

In a cool and composed ride, Cross sat behind the leaders and took the short cut home on the fence.

Cross’ name returned to the form guides for the first time since riding Corporate Larrikin at Albany in 2020.

Persistent arm problems kept Cross out of racing longer than she anticipated, but she hopes her Broome comeback victory can be the springboard for a successful season.

“My arm really got bad last March, and I found out I had compressed nerves,” Cross told The Races WA.

“I then had surgery for decompression of nerves in my forearm. It was the second surgery after compartment syndrome.

“I then had problems with insurance following the surgery and that’s why it took so long to come back.

“It was basically wear and tear through riding, but it was great to be back again on the weekend because I missed it so much.

“It made all the work to return worth it and it was a good day back.”

Born in New South Wales and based in Darwin, Cross came to Western Australia in search of further opportunities four years ago.

Reucoop gave her 207 wins from 1844 starts since she made her debut in the 2011-12 season.

Cross said her arm injury and the cancellation of the Broome season last year due to Covid-19 came as a double blow.

“I moved from Darwin two years ago and one of the reasons was for my career,” Cross said.

“Darwin only races fortnightly through the wet season and you have to get a second job and everything.

“I was trying to ride more full time and there is a lot more country circuits in WA.

“There are a lot more opportunities here to be a jockey.

“It hasn’t been the easiest road but there is always a positive side in racing.”

 
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Featured News

FREE BETS – Claim $1000’s in Bonus Bets at the TOP Betting Sites

We take a look at the BIGGEST and BEST Free Daily Racing Offers and Betting Promotions from Australia’s leading online...

Golden Slipper Likely Field – 2024

The biggest two-year-old race of the year will jump this Saturday in arguably one of the best fields in recent...

Former trainer handed a five-year ban for pulling stewards pants down

Former trainer Todd Balfour has been handed a five-year disqualification by Racing SA stewards after a misconduct incident at the...

Melbourne Cup champion Verry Elleegant passes away

Verry Elleegant, one of the great mares in the history of Australian racing, has died while giving birth to her...

Watch 📺 Jockey banned from all racing premises over ride

Jockey Dylan Kitts has been penalised with a disciplinary officer exclusion directive due to non-compliance with an inquiry regarding his...

Group 1 winner returns positive swab

Racing Victoria stewards are investigating a positive swab from Group 1-winning mare Prowess, the racehorse trained by Roger James and...

Alligator Blood injured, career in doubt

Cult galloper Alligator Blood may have run his last race, with trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott confirming the star galloper had...

Nikita Beriman returns to the saddle

July 1, 2023 to January 26, 2024 … that period represents the just shy of seven months that Nikita Beriman...

Australia's Best Betting Sites

New Betting Sites Australia + Top List Bookmaker Apps $$$

Betting in Australia has never been more popular thanks to a large increase in new betting Agencies and Apps available...

Top 10 – Funniest Race Horse Names

Horse racing. Known as the ‘Sport Of Kings’, an industry worth billions, a very serious business…but to some, it’s a...

Best Horse Betting Sites in Australia

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps and Betting Sites – March 2024

We take a look at the best online betting apps to bet on horse racing in Australia for the month...

Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse races in Australia. Taking place each April at...

Australian Bookmaker Reviews – Online Bookie Ratings $$

Which bookmaker should you bet with? We Review each of the leading online Australian Bookmakers and rate them in order...

 
 
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au