Image – Racing Photography.
When Zoe Hunt brought up her first winner at Bathurst on Monday, the apprentice jockey knew at that moment that this job was for her.
Riding for Dean Mirfin, Hunt was legged aboard Arimathea in the 1100m Benchmark 58 Handicap.
It was a good ride by the four-kilogram claimer, who used the inside gate perfectly to race up on the speed in a hotly-contested event before pulling away for a well-deserved victory.
When asked about the win and what feelings were running through her mind when she greeted the judge first, Hunt explained that a weight had lifted from her shoulders.
“I felt a lot of relief,” Hunt replied to NSW Country and Picnic Racing.
“It’s only been a short turnaround to get to where I am right now, but it felt like it was never going to happen.
“It’s so easy to get caught up with being turned down a lot; it’s humbling, but when I rode that winner, it just felt like this is where I’m meant to be and what I’m meant to be doing.”
At 27, Hunt is an older apprentice, but she’s tenacious and motivated, which is how she landed the winning ride for Mirfin.
“I had never met Dean before, and I cold-called him about three weeks ago, and he gave me the opportunity, and I can’t believe he did; it was so lovely,” she said.
“I spoke to him today (Wednesday), and he is genuine; he was so happy.”
Indentured to Greg Hickman at Warwick Farm, Hunt’s journey to an apprenticeship and her first winner wasn’t on a path most commonly taken.
From Brisbane, the equine enthusiast had shown horses her entire life, travelling all over Queensland and NSW before deciding to try her hand in the racing industry.
“I was never in racing when I was up in Queensland,” Hunt explained.
“I was working for Kelato, which is an equine nutrition company, and I worked for them for about a year, but I also worked for breakers, showjumpers, and stuff like that.
“I did all that for a long time but decided I wanted a change of scenery.”
Hunt had been in the saddle and was riding work for a few years, spending time and learning her craft with leading Sydney stables before taking up her apprenticeship with Hickman in October of last year.
“I started riding work about three years ago and did the Thoroughbred Industry Careers Course with Lindy Maurice,” Hunt said.
“I started out with Ciaron Maher shortly after that, then worked for Annabel Neasham, and I was with Richard Litt for a long time.
“It was a good grounding, and I was able to work with some good staff, good horses, and good trainers, and even rode Richard’s nice horse Profondo before he retired.”
Hunt had hoped to kick off her career with Litt, but the opportunity wasn’t there, so she moved to the Hickman team.
“I actually wanted to start my apprenticeship with Richard, but he wasn’t in the position to take on an apprentice; he felt that he couldn’t support me at the time, so I spoke to Greg, and he was more than happy to take on an apprentice,” she said.
Still, the eager apprentice enjoys her time with Hickman, with the working relationship allowing her to ride and learn from other leading trainers.
“I like the way Greg works his horses; he’s very consistent and gallops them two or three times a week, and there is also some free rein to ride some outside work,” she said.
“I actually ride a lot of outside work for three trainers after I finish with Greg in the morning, which gives me an excellent opportunity to work with an array of trainers.
“I’ve ridden out for Bjorn (Baker), got a few trials off him, and ridden for Brad Widdup and trainers at Hawkesbury.
“Greg also gives me most afternoons off, and I’m able to do a lot of strength and condition classes and a lot of running; I am working hard on my fitness.”
When quizzed on her age and that she was almost a decade older than many other apprentices starting out, Hunt believes it will work out in her favour, as she is fully committed to riding and being the best she can be.
“I’m a bit older, so I don’t have that time to mess around,” she laughed.
“The way I see it, I have only got four years to do my apprenticeship, and I am very determined.
“I had to wait a long time to be approved to ride my trials after starting with Greg, but I never let that get me down.
“I’m very focused on being fit and my strongest and the best rider I can be.”
Hunt is thinking ahead, and while there are long-term goals, she wants opportunities.
“At this point, I’d love to go through the motions and ride out my country claim, ride out my provincial claim, and do it the old way,” she said.
“Ultimately, the more rides I have, the better I’ll be.
At the end of the day, I just want to give myself the chance to be the best I can be.”
Hunt will venture to Mendooran on Saturday to ride the Kieren Hazelton-trained Dancelittlesister in the 800m Class Two Handicap, and she explained that she will be living by the adage, ‘have saddle, will travel’.
“I’m not afraid to travel, and I’m not afraid to go into the bush for one and two rides because it’s all about those opportunities,” she said.
“I’ll be at Mendooran on Saturday; Kieren Hazelton has given me the opportunity to ride one of his horses out there, and I’m quite excited to ride for him.”
For Bathurst results, click here.
For Mendooran fields, click here.
