Sport
28 August, 2024
Apprentice thrilled after super Saturday in saddle
Mount Isa continues to provide opportunities for young jockeys.
The North West racing circuit continues to build its reputation as a nursery for apprentices as another budding jockey starts to make her mark in the industry after success in the region.
Bella Youngberry is unlikely to be a long-term visitor to the North West – she’s destined for bigger and better things – but for now, she’s loving her hit-and-run trips to places like Mount Isa.
On Saturday at Buchanan Park, she celebrated her first career double and lost her four-kilogram claim in the process, the second milestone for every jockey after they get their first winner.
“It was a bit exciting,” the 18-year-old said on Sunday morning as she prepared for her flight back to Brisbane.
“I was hoping (to lose 4kg claim) this weekend as I had a nice book of rides.”
Youngberry needed two wins to reach her milestone and started the day perfectly, steering Bendolirra to victory for trainer Bevan Johnson in the 0-60 Handicap (1450m).
A third placing in the second race made her wait an extra 40 minutes, but it was well worth it as she partnered with the ultra speedy Han Dynasty in the 1000m open handicap.
It was her second win on the talented sprinter, having also won aboard Han Dynasty on the Mailman Express TAB day.
“He’s a sand goanna, that horse,” Youngberry said of the Johnson-trained galloper, who now has 18 wins from 33 starts, including eight wins and a second in nine runs at Mount Isa.
“He absolutely loves the sand and it’s been a great opportunity to get on a fast horse like that so early in my career.”
The apprentice was booked because of her claim – Han Dynasty was allotted 69kg before her 4kg kicked in – and even though the six-year-old carried 9kg more than his rivals on Saturday, he still put a gap on them.
Youngberry said she would continue coming back to Mount Isa and the North West as much as she could.
“I enjoy myself going to these new tracks and meeting new jockeys; you always make good friends in the bush,” she said.
“The locals help you out and give you a lift from the airport; the Ballards have been looking after me in Mount Isa, which has been great.”