History Making Apprentice Lights Up Belmont
Jade McNaught says she will have no problems keeping her feet grounded after creating WA racing history at Belmont on Saturday.
In a stunning riding display, McNaught became the first apprentice jockey to boot home six winners in a WA metropolitan meeting.
McNaught launched her memorable day on Belle Of Liberty and then followed up with Amillionite, Cockney Crew, Bunker Buster, Neurological and Stageman.
It’s been a spectacular start to the 2019-20 season for McNaught who sailed past her previous best city tally of three wins at Belmont on August 24.
McNaught, who has no family background in racing, consolidated her lead in the Jockey and Apprentice premiership race with 17 wins.
“I’m just trying to keep it real,” McNaught told The Races WA.
“Today is a great day and you don’t sort of know what is happening next week.
“I just ride each race and be grateful for the rides.
“I really don’t have time to think about much really.”
McNaught’s incredible winning haul included her first success in her first Listed race after she combined with Neurological in the Farnley Stakes (1400m).
McNaught seized her opportunity to ride Neurological after William Pike opted to partner $2.90 favourite Tellem We’re Comin.
“She is just a gem, isn’t she,” said trainer Martin Allan.
“I rang the owners too see who they wanted to put on, but I had made up my mind it was going to be Jade.
“No one deserves it better than her and horses run for her
“There was no one else I would have want to put on.
“She is firing on all cylinders.”
Leading trainer Adam Durrant also heaped praise on McNaught after she partnered four of his winners.
She led on Belle Of Liberty, had Amiliionite outside of the leader, rode out Bunker Buster strongly before charging home late aboard Stageman.
Durrant said McNaught was reaping the benefits of her work ethic and skill.
“Credit to herself she is a worker and she is really a good horsewoman before she is a jockey,” Durrant said.
“I’m not putting her in the same bracket as Willie (Pike), but he fits that category as well.
“Jade’s been riding for us for four or five years.
“She used to do a lot of the education work with our babies before she even thought about being a jockey.
“She had a fair idea before she put the silks on, but she is improving all the time.”
Cockney Crew was the third and easiest of McNaught’s tally when he made a top return to racing, clearing away to win by a brilliant eight lengths.
Julio Santarelli