Leeshelle Small is making her mark in the NSW jockey ranks, having ridden 55 career wins, including 19 in season 2025/26.
Rounding out 2025, Small rode a winning double at Quirindi on Boxing Day but she wouldn’t have dreamed of a better start to 2026.
Riding at Inverell’s New Year’s Day meeting, Small teamed up with Tamworth trainers Craig Clegg and Zach Hatch, riding a double for each as she brought up an incredible quartet of victories.
Continuing her great form in the saddle, the 23-year-old then landed wins at Taree on January 2, Gilgandra on January 4, and Armidale on January 5, meaning Small has won seven races from her past 16 rides.
“It’s funny how things work because before I rode at Inverell, I had a two-day holiday and went away to the beach for a freshen up,” Small told County Punter.
“I think that really helped, along with the support of trainers like Zach and Craig; plus, getting on the right horses at the right track from the right draw.
“Then the plan after Inverell was to keep the ball rolling, so it was nice to get those wins, but unfortunately, I do have a ten-meeting suspension to deal with.”
A New Zealand native, Small arrived in Australia with little racing experience but is a natural horsewoman, having represented her country in showjumping.
Her father, Geoff Small, trained standardbreds, including champion pacer Elsu.
Keen to learn, Small first worked for leading Sydney trainer Joe Pride before joining Rod Northam’s Scone stable.
“I came over when I was 20 to get a feel for what racing was like,” Small said.
“I had only been in the industry for eight months before I came over, but my uncle grew up with John Size, and that got me into doing trackwork with Joe Pride.
“I’d say I was there a year, but I wasn’t experienced enough to be riding in the provincials, and didn’t know a lot about racing, so I needed to go somewhere to learn and make mistakes out of the public eye.”
Northam, who’s recently guided the likes of Reece Jones and Chelsea Hillier, has a knack for picking up talented apprentices, and Small is enjoying her time in Scone.
“He’s great; it’s been good from the moment I stepped foot here,” Small said.
“Two days after being here, I already had a ride, and he’s a very easy-going boss, and he lets you figure things out on your own terms.”
A keen student, Small only wants to be better every time she jumps in the saddle.
“I want to be consistent and ride good races,” Small said.
“I really love looking at the form, watching races, and trying to find something that is coming through that really excites me; I enjoy that.”
Boasting life experience and a little more age than a typical apprentice, the New Zealander is excited for the future and is ready to show everyone what she is made of.
“I think being older and being able to handle the pressure is a big thing, and I can handle quite a bit,” Small said.
“Racing as a whole is mentally and physically challenging, but I’m enjoying it and wouldn’t change it for anything.”
