Fresh off her maiden victory at Deniliquin a week earlier, Cassidy Hill celebrated two more milestones at Balranald on Saturday, landing her first winning double while triumphing in not one, but two Country Cups.
Riding for her master, Craig Weeding, the Wangaratta-based apprentice lifted her first racing trophy when emerging victorious in the Balranald Cup (1400m) on Fox Appeal ($3.80).
The 6YO Foxwedge gelding, who won the 2024 Cooma Cup, was tough as nails, holding on for a thrilling win in the $20,000 feature event.
“It was special,” Hill told Country Punter.
“I know a few of the owners in Fox Appeal, so it was a great feeling to get that win for them, and I was happy to get the win on him.
“Plus, Craig having faith to put me on and get the job done is a real confidence booster.”
The very next race, Hill scored her first career double, second country cup, and third overall victory, teaming up with veteran sprinter Big Day Out ($4), who won his 11th race in the $15,000 Spring Cup (1000m).
“After winning on Fox Appeal, I was like, ‘I can get another one’, and I had that confidence in Big Day Out,” Hill said.
“I was hoping to be in front or get some cover, but that didn’t happen, so I had to stay outside the leader, but I was able to bring him back, and he settled beautifully.
“He just kept building for me and fought to the line and got it done.”
While Hill made her riding debut back in August, the 21-year-old won her first race in October, teaming up with Erin Maher as Gargantuan ($3) won the 1600m Class 3 Handicap at Deniliquin on October 18.
A special moment, the Bendigo galloper powered to a three-length victory.
“It was a great feeling, and I was in front and knew I was going to win, but I still wasn’t 100% sure, and I had some concern that something could come get me, but we ended up winning easily,” Hill said.
While eager to land more winners, Hill is happy to be learning under her master, with Craig Weeding not one to rush his apprentice’s development.
“I always wanted to get a winner when I first started, but I was also very patient, and Craig was patient, too,” Hill said.
“Craig was putting me on horses that would teach me more, instead of them going to the front, and I was learning every ride.
“So, to get on those horses that race at the back, I have a better understanding of races, and now I am getting chances to ride horses that can lead.”
Hill also has a big team behind her, with the likes of fellow jockeys Jake Duffy, Justin Stanley, Sarah McDonough, and Rob Kirkpatrick riding work alongside her most mornings.
“It’s great getting the wins for the team because they have helped me, even before I became an apprentice, then got my apprenticeship, they supported me,” Hill said.
The youngster will get another shot at Country Cup glory at Berrigan on Saturday, with Craig Weeding nominating a big team for the non-TAB Southern Districts program, headlined by Maid In Dubai in the $18,000 Berrigan Cup (1600m).
