Code Swapper Caps York Milestone
From an early age Emma Aldersea harboured an ambition to be a jockey.
Size and height squashed those dreams, so the next best option was training horses.
Aldersea dabbled with standardbreds first before recently turning her interest to thoroughbreds.
That appeal was sparked and ignited after a lengthy absence by a couple of good friends.
Trotting trainers making the leap to thoroughbreds is no longer unique and rare in racing.
Iconic horseman Fred Kersley led the way and was followed by Grant Williams and Justin Warwick.
The celebrated trio have won a host of major races in Perth and across the eastern seaboard in a successful transition of racing codes.
Aldersea joined her acclaimed compatriots and code swappers after tasting success as a trainer for the first at York on Sunday.
The milestone arrived courtesy of Bizzi Too, an eight-year-old mare that defied her earlier form and market price.
Sent out at $17, Bizzi Too came from last and burst through an opening when a gap appeared in the straight to win by ¾ of a length.
Aldersea said she savoured the victory.
“It was awesome,” Aldersea said.
“It was a great relief to have a crack and to be able to do it.
“I always wanted to get back into training after nearly 15 years away.
“Now just seemed the right time to do it with family and everything.
“I’ve always been around horses since I was young with pony club.
“I got into harness originally through my dad and uncle.
“This win is a great confidence boost.”
Aldersea had no problem finding a rider to partner, Bizzi Too, sticking with a family connection.
Fresh from his maiden Group 2 success on Massimo in the Lee Steere Stakes, Aldersea turned to Clint Johnston Porter.
“Clint’s parents and I share ownership in Bizzi Too,” Aldersea said.
“To be able to share it with family friends and Clint made it very special.
“It was a real family affair.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity they gave me to train Bizzi Too.
“That was the motivation for me to get stuck back into training.
“It was fantastic.”
Bizzi Too caught punters off guard with her second career victory, bouncing back after three disappointing runs to kick off her campaign under Aldersea.
“I think it was a matter of fitness and improving with each run,” Aldersea said.
“I’ll pick out some more races for her, that’s the plan.
“But in racing not everything goes to plan.”
Julio Santarelli