Canberra-based apprentice Claire Ramsbotham has cemented her name as one of the bright, young prospects within the Australian jockey ranks.
Having made her race-riding debut at Grafton in May of last year, the 22-year-old is already 55 wins into her career, including 18 wins in season 2025/26 at an impressive 21.7% win rate.
Racing at Bombla last month, Ramsbotham made headlines when booting home four winners, and followed that effort up with consistent wins at Nowra, Queanbeyan, Canberra, and Tumut.
“I am getting a lot of support from trainers and my bosses, Barb, Matt, and Paul,” Ramsbotham told Country Punter.
“Since I’ve had those four winners at Bombala, it has given me a bit of confidence, and I’ve got on a bit of a roll.”
Indentured to the Barbara Joseph, Matt and Paul Jones team, Ramsbotham is getting her fair share of chances, even partnering up with the unbeaten Cando Attitude – a two-time winner at Moruya and Nowra last month.
“It helps that we have had a couple of nice horses come into our stable, like Cando Attitude,” Ramsbotham said.
“She is going to be a really nice filly, and it’s great to have the opportunity to get two rides for two wins on her.”
When asked about her good run of form, the apprentice explained that she was becoming a lot more comfortable in races.
“I’m down to my 1.5kg (claim) and I’ve had 300 or so rides under my belt,” Ramsbotham said.
“Everything starts to slow down, and I’ve learned to navigate my way through races, and I’ve learned to understand horses and get a feel for them.
“Things like, when to take off, or take a sit, and even riding trackwork, it has taught me a lot.”
Ramsbotham was quick to praise her manager, Rylie Loy, who has been working hard behind the scenes to find the talented jockey rides.
“Rylie Loy deserves a big shout-out,” Ramsbotham said.
“He’s been managing me since moving to Canberra, and he’s only just started and is learning the ropes, but he is doing a good job at getting me the rides and I can’t do it without him.”
Ramsbotham is starting to set her sights on the provincial racing scene, even trekking to Wollongong once a week to ride work at Kembla Grange.
“I go there once a week on a Thursday and I’m riding a bit for Joe Ible, Theresa Bateup, and a little for Anthony Mountney.
“I’m trying to get my name out there a bit, and now I’m a 1.5kg (claimer), I’ll be looking at the provincial circuit soon, and it seems Kembla Grange is the place to be, so I want that exposure.”
While the youngster is considering her future, a move from her current base at Canberra is unlikely.
“We’ve discussed it briefly, but I love working for Matt and Paul (Jones),” Ramsbotham said.
“They are not only good bosses, but good people outside of work and big supporters in that way.
“I would ideally love to stay with them and ride outside work once or twice a week and get in with other provincial trainers at Kembla and Warwick Farm.
For the moment, Ramsbotham is focusing on a massive two days at Gundagai, where she has 11 rides, including nine for the Governess of Gundagai, Barb Joseph.
“I’m stoked as it’s actually my first time riding at the carnival,” Ramsbotham said.
“I’m very excited, as I have a few nice rides, and they are all chances that have drawn reasonable gates.”
Today’s $100,000 Snake Gully Cup is the feature event on the program, and Ramsbotham will ride $26 chance, Louie’s Legacy.
“I actually had the choice between him and Belleistic Kids, and I love Louie and I’m happy to partner up with him in the Snake Gully Cup.”
