It was a day to remember at Cobar on Saturday for amateur jockey Emily Harrison.
The 22-year-old lived out a lifelong dream when bringing up the first victory of her burgeoning career, and it came aboard Sham in the 1200m Class B Handicap, a horse trained by her mentor and good friend, Debbie Prest.
Prest was proud as Punch to see Harrison bring up the first of what she believes will be many winners.
“It was great,” Prest told NSW Country and Picnic Racing.
“She has been chasing us since she was 14, and we’ve given her first strap, first jump out, first trial, and last trial to pass for the races, and now her first winner.
“She keeps saying we can be her adoptive grandparents, and she comes over and stays when we go to other meetings, and it’s really lovely to see riding well and improving.”
Harrison was equally as pleased to get the job done for Prest.
“I was thrilled, and I don’t think I stopped smiling for the whole weekend, to be honest,” Harrison said.
“I was just happy it was for Debbie and Pete (Kirby), especially with it being my first winner after everything they have done for me.”
It was an impressive result, considering it was just the 22-year-old’s second meeting and fifth race ride.
“We basically led the whole way, and even the jockeys beside me were helping me in the race,” Harrison said.
“All the jockeys at Cobar were a huge help, giving me pointers and letting me do the best I can by giving me the tricks and hints for the Cobar track.”
Based in Wagga with the Tim Donnelly yard, Harrison is said to have improved out of sight between her first meeting at Cobar in August and Saturday’s transferred Come By Chance program, and she put it back on the assistance of Wagga hoop Danny Beasley and former jockey and Debbie Prest’s daughter, Rebeka Prest.
“At the first race meeting, it was a bit daunting, with what to expect and that sort of stuff, but going into my second meeting, I had a lot more confidence about my job and what I needed to do,” Harrison said.
“In between both meetings, Danny Beasley and Bek (Prest) helped me a lot, and Bek will be going over my races with me.
“Overall, I’m training really hard, and Bek has taken it upon herself to help me and be a bit of a tough PT (Personal Trainer).”
It’s shaping to be a big two days for Harrison, who will take two rides at Lockhart on Friday before jumping aboard five more at Mungery on Sunday.
Still, in the back of her mind is the exciting prospect of riding at her home race track on Saturday, October 7, when competing at the Burrangong Picnic Race Club meeting in Young.
“I’m super excited,” Harrison said.
“Young will be the first race meeting where my parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties can come and watch me.
“I’m keen on riding at these meetings close to home and allowing them to see what I do and share that experience with them.”
For the moment, Harrison’s attention will be on the Lockhart and Mungery meetings.
For Cobar results, click here.
For Lockhart fields, click here.
For Mungery fields, click here.
