NT makes statement in National Apprentice Race Series

[Wandering Eyes]

Darwin-based apprentice Jade Hampson, who represented the NT during the final leg of this year’s National Apprentice Race Series at Doomben on Wednesday, celebrating victory aboard Mighty Murt at Alice Springs in January Picture: Nikki Westover Photography

The National Apprentice Race Series has put aspiring young NT jockeys on the map.

After a nine-year absence, the NT returned to the NARS last year, finishing well adrift of eventual winners Queensland.

Before the fifth and final leg, comprising two heats, took place at Doomben on Wednesday, the NT (31 points) were second behind South Australia (37).

Jade Hampson, who finished second in both Darwin heats on Saturday as the designated NT rider after replacing the suspended Emma Lines, made the trip to Brisbane with the hopes of the Territory resting on her shoulders.

Darwin-based Hampson, 20, rode at Eagle Farm last year before dead-heating for first in a Sandown heat, and in Wednesday’s first heat she finished third in a 2060m maiden aboard Aces Up.

Drawing gate 11, Hampson had Ryan Tyrell’s gelding sitting outside the leader for most of the race before hitting the front in the home straight and tiring over the concluding 200m.

In the second heat – a 1200m Class 1 – Hampson’s mount Under Twenty Two, Andrew Parramore’s gelding, started well, but hung wide throughout, finishing 10th.

Sixth in the first heat, SA’s Rochelle Milnes came third in the second heat to seal the NARS title for her state with 45 points from the NT (36), WA (35), Tasmania (27) and Queensland (17).

Alice Springs trio Dakota Gillett, Lek Maloney and Ianish Luximon also featured in the 2024 NARS.

“Our kids were terrific, I travelled to WA when Ianish won a heat,” Thoroughbred Racing NT’s Greg Aldam said.

“If there is an apprentice anywhere in Australia looking for an opportunity and a sea change, then they should consider the NT.

“They will get rides most weekends in Darwin or Alice Springs for experienced trainers, and most of all they will get national exposure.”

TRNT CEO Andrew O’Toole, who accompanied Hampson to Brisbane, praised the NT team during the 2024 NARS.

“They all rode well, absolutely, and hopefully our young riders will continue to go from strength to strength,” he said.

“Ianish will be missing next year as he will be a senior rider, but Emma will get to ride for us.

“It was a good performance by Jade today, it’s hard to come to a different track on horses you don’t know.

“Well done to SA, they’ve done a great job winning the NARS.

“They won the first two heats at Murray Bridge and haven’t looked back, so congratulations to Briony Moore and her team.

“We’ll be back next year to give them a run for their money.”

For Hampson, representing the NT and riding at a premier track once again was gratifying.

“Very happy, it was a great experience,” she said.

“The first horse ran well, but the other one didn’t show up based on it’s last start when it won.

“I prefer Doomben, it’s a long straight at Eagle Farm and last year it caught me out.

“I found it a lot easier here at Doomben, but they’re both beautiful tracks.

“Back to Darwin for Friday’s meeting and then Alice Springs on Saturday – it’s full on.”

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