Sport
19 August, 2025
Apprentice jockey notches first win at Richmond
It was a momentous occasion for rookie jockey Brea Harrison.
Fledgling apprentice jockey Brea Harrison notched her first major milestone at Richmond on Saturday – her maiden winner in the saddle.
In just her eighth career ride, the Ipswich-based hoop showed plenty of skill to guide the Tanya Parry-trained Swamp Nation to victory in the Open Plate.
On the outsider of the field, Harrison displayed patience as she took cover one off the fence before producing her run at the right time to blow past her rivals in the home straight.
The 27-year-old, who can claim four kilograms until she rides five winners, was thrilled with her first victory and her first trip to the North West.
Last month, Harrison told Racing Queensland that the birth of her daughter Ryleigh was the turning point in her career.
Seven years ago, she shifted her focus and passion for thoroughbreds from being comfortable just riding trackwork to aiming to be out there on race day as a jockey.
“She is my biggest supporter,” Harrison said of Ryleigh.
“The bosses I have worked for and the community I have behind me have really rallied for me so it’s OK to manage having a daughter and being a jockey.”
Harrison is indentured to Bradley Smith at Ipswich.
“She has a terrific work ethic and she has not missed a morning since she has been working for me,” Smith said.
“That is very, very rare to get people like that these days.
“She is very deserving of the opportunity as she has worked very hard for it for a very long time.
“She has had a few bumps in the road, but I think she will do well as she is mature now as she has learnt some hard lessons.”
As Harrison is a natural lightweight rider, Smith thinks she will hit the ground running.
“She is quite a pretty rider. She has a lovely seat on a horse and horses seem to travel for her,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shryn Royes had a day out at Richmond, winning three of the five races.
Basque kicked off the day with an overdue win in the 0-50 Handicap (1000m), with stablemate Spipillicious runner-up.
Pennypacker made it a double when the odds-on favourite was too slick in the Benchmark 60 Handicap (1200m).
Royes celebrated the treble when Tequila Dancer defeated Zouhope in the Benchmark 50 Handicap (1400m).
All three of Royes’ winners were ridden by Tessa Townsend.
The other winner on the program went to former Cloncurry trainer Gareth Smith, who now lives in Townsville.
Smith’s father David brought Lethally Stella to Richmond to break its maiden and despite being unwanted in the betting ring, proved too good over 1000m with Nor Yadi in the saddle.