Just a week after starring at Randwick with a winning treble, Siena Grima will head to Rosehill for a solid book of eight rides as she continues her quest for the apprentices’ premiership.
Indentured to champion trainer Chris Waller, Grima’s trio of victories has taken her to 19 Sydney metropolitan wins this season ahead of Wednesday’s Canterbury meeting, nine behind rival Braith Nock who is looking to defend the junior rider’s title he claimed last season.
With just under 10 weeks of the 2025-26 term remaining, Grima still has time to bridge the gap on Nock, and says that will be her focus coming into the winter months.
“That is definitely the plan and definitely the goal, so fingers crossed we can get there,” Grima said.
Originally with Mel O’Gorman in Tamworth, Grima came to Waller on loan at the end of last year and has been closely mentored by former champion jockey Darren Beadman, who is now part of the Waller team.
Grima says Beadman has helped critique and improve her riding, while top jockey James McDonald, who has a strong association with the stable, has also been influential.
“It has been amazing, especially Darren. He is always watching, and I know I have to keep my riding good, or he’ll be straight on the phone ringing me,” Grima said.
“The best lessons are the ones that are hardest to learn, and he’s been great helping me continue to improve.
“He is very understanding of things and says, ‘this is why you’ve got the claim, to make mistakes’. To be riding under his tutelage, Chris’ watchful eye and ‘J Mac’ (McDonald) as well has just been unreal.”
Grima’s book at Rosehill includes five for Waller, including expensive filly Ernaux in the Vale Sandro D’Amore Handicap (1200m), Man Of Worth in the Ranvet Handicap (1500m), and promising two-year-old Tron Bolt, who is a dual acceptor for Sydney and Brisbane.
With many of the senior riders in Queensland for the winter carnival races over the coming weeks, Grima is keen to capitalise on her opportunities.
“I love riding against all the better jockeys as well, it helps me continue to develop and learn things,” Grima said.
“But while they’re away, it’s great to show I can ride, ride winners, and ride well when they’re not around.”
