Perfect Start For Apprentice Maddison Brown
8 June, 2017
Thoroughbred
Apprentice Maddison Brown launched her riding career in the best possible fashion with victory on Pinball Wizard at Pinjarra on Thursday.
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Riding for her host trainers Grant and Alana Williams, Brown led and kicked clear on the $2.10 favourite who won easily by 2 ½ lengths.
It’s the ideal beginning for Brown who is the first to cross racing codes and make the transition from a successful driver to a jockey.
Brown, the youngest daughter of leading trainer-driver, Colin Brown, carved out a successful career in harness racing before making the switch to thoroughbreds.
Just last month at Pinjarra she drove her 100th winner in the sulky, becoming just the 245th WA driver to reach the milestone in more than a century.
She is also just the sixth female to pass 100 wins in WA, joining Kellie Kersley, Sue Roberts, Kate Kersley, Lauren Jones and Kiara Davies.
Former top hoop and current Racing and Wagering Western Australia jockey coach, John Claite, said Brown could not have made a more impressive start.
“She did everything right and judged the pace perfectly,” Claite said.
“She was ready to go and was fully prepared for the meeting.
“She walked the track earlier and has conducted herself professionally.
“It was just the perfect start and a great confidence builder.”
Brown bounced back strongly after her first race ride, Jupiter Calling, got trapped wide before running on for an eye-catching third.
Shelby Colgate continued a top day for young riders when she booted home Faulty to a strong win in race four, her first for Albany trainer, Steve Wolfe.
Colgate had Faulty settled midfield and went back to the inside before railing along the fence. The gelding dashing away to score by a half-length.
Julio Santarelli