Top Apprentice Loves Her Job

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Thoroughbred

If Madi Derrick needed any reassurance she made the right career call to become an apprentice jockey, then her performance on the weekend was final confirmation.

Competing for the first time at Belmont on a Saturday, Derrick was given the task of partnering the Fred Kersley-trained Resistance in the Crown Perth Handicap (1600m).

And she handled the responsibility and pressure with aplomb as she urged Resistance across the line to hold out Fred Dag by a half-head in a thrilling finish.

A former equestrian rider, Derrick is not foreign or a stranger to horses, but had no family experience or background in thoroughbred racing.

She became hooked on becoming a jockey around five years ago after working and linking up with top trainer Tiarnna Roberston at Bennett Springs.

Derrick has booted home 35 winners from 250 rides since she made debut at Geraldton in January, but said Resistance’s victory validated her love of riding.

“It was an overwhelming feeling and I didn’t really believe it at first,” Derrick said on Tabradio.

“It’s definitely the best decision I made becoming a jockey.

“I love every second of it.

“Obviously there are bad days and good days, but the good days definitely make up for the bad days.

“It’s pretty full on and the travel takes a lot out of you, but I manage all right and will keep kicking on.”

Despite mixing with accomplished and experienced riders on Saturday, Derrick said she tried to keep her nerves on hold.

“I tried to keep everything the same and not put too much pressure on myself,” Derrick said.

“Being a Saturday meeting there are a lot more people watching and that’s enough pressure on its own.

“I just tried to keep everything on an even keel and the same as usual.”

Derrick’s win caps a good few weeks for junior riders. Victoria Corver celebrated her first metropolitan winner at Belmont on Wednesday.

Several weeks back at Carnarvon Hannah Fitzgerald and Kristo Sardelic rode their maiden winners.

Julio Santarelli