Apprentice jockey Luke Campbell had something to smile about on Wednesday at Ascot when he booted home Zouboltz to receive top points in the Perth leg of the National Apprentice Race Series.
The win means the talented young hoop is now in striking distance of outriding his metro claim, with one win to go to achieve the feat.
“It’s terrific to get the top points in the apprentice series especially on home soil here at Ascot,” Luke said.
“I’m very proud to be able to represent WA in the series and to be chosen as the State captain as well is great honour – I’m happy I could get us a win.”
The annual series sees the country’s best young riders face off, with one elected rider competing in two points bearing races in each state including, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.
WA apprentice Channel Cooper piloted home the winner in the other series recognised race, although having already represented WA at Darwin earlier this month, the top points went to South Australian nominated jockey Rochelle Milnes, with Luke Campbell still securing third standings for WA.
Milnes, who rode this year’s Adelaide Cup winner and has drawn nationwide attention as one of the country’s most promising young riders, said the series was a great opportunity for all the apprentices that get a chance to compete.
“It’s quite a privilege and a big thrill to be part of the series, we have some quality apprentice riders in South Australia so to be part of the team is amazing,” she said.
“To come and represent the team in such a nice State and at a track like Ascot is amazing – it was nice to challenge myself and use the different track to my advantage.
“All the apprentices from the different States band together and help each other out, and as for the senior riders, any questions about the unknown track or horse they’re always happy to help.”
With two legs in the series remaining, held in South Australia and Queensland it has already been touted another resounding success.
Watching from the mounting yard at Ascot on Wednesday, Racing South Australia Jockey Coach Dean Pettit praised the nationwide apprentice series.
“It gives these young jockeys new opportunities they haven’t experienced before and the chance to feel part of a team and represent their State,” he said.
“To be a part of a national series, against riders they’ve never competed against, with horses they’ve never ridden, and to do it at a world class track like Ascot is great exposure.”
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