Tilly's time for North Queensland sojourn

By Jordan Gerrans

Tilly McCarroll has travelled high-level gallopers to Queensland earlier in her tenure in the racing industry as a trackwork rider and strapper and she is now chasing her own success in the Sunshine State as a jockey.

Indentured to Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott in Sydney, McCarroll was Lady Of Camelot’s partner when she ventured north to eventually finish second in the inaugural The Sunlight when it was run at Caloundra earlier this year.

The 24-year-old has stepped back from her previous role as travelling companion for top gallopers to pursue her own career in the saddle. 

She will make her maiden appearance in the Sunshine State as an apprentice jockey this Saturday when she heads to North Queensland to ride on the Ben Bolt Cup program from Bowen. 

While she is New South Wales-based, McCarroll says more frequent trips to Queensland could be on the cards if she can find her groove.

She has a full book of engagements at Bowen on Saturday.

“I am keen to gain more experience,” McCarroll said.

“It is difficult at times around this area to gain rides and you are travelling far and wide for one or two rides at a meeting.

“When the opportunity came up to go up there with a full book, it gives me the chance to practice and get some connections in racing. It is about me getting stronger with my riding.

“It is a long way to go but I have a saddle and I am willing to travel.”

McCarroll is apprenticed to the high-profile barn of Waterhouse and Bott and has gone out on loan a few times this year.

She is currently with Scott Singleton at Scone after a spell with Brett Robb at Dubbo.

The emerging jockey has 14 winners to her name after commencing her riding career in the last month of 2024.

The three-kilogram claiming youngster appears to have a strong book of engagements on the Bowen Cup program.

She will jump aboard Under The Limit for Tom Button in the Open Handicap over 1280 metres while she also will partner Look At Rosa for former jockey-turned-trainer Bonnie Thomson. 

“They look like good chances,” McCarroll said.

“Under The Limit only just got beaten on the line in the big Battle of the Bush race at Eagle Farm so hopefully he can run well.

“It is cool I get to go up there and make different connections that can help me into the future if I look to go into Queensland more often. It will open up a few doors for me.”

McCarroll was a talented and highly promising eventer prior to moving into racing four years ago at the Waterhouse and Bott team.

As well as her involvement with Golden Slipper-winner Lady Of Camelot, she has also been along for the ride with Group 1 champion Just Fine.

“I have been very lucky to ride with Regan Bayliss, Tim Clark and Rachel King, who is one of my biggest mentors for me,” she said.

“They have all helped out immensely with my career, so far.

“I get to ride in trials at Randwick, Warwick Farm and Rosehill – that has been huge stepping stone for me.

“I rode in a Group trial once which was huge alongside James McDonald and others.

“I have been very lucky to have some very, very good mentors.

“I’ve been lucky enough to travel with a few good horses, being so involved with everything and that has helped a lot always watching and listening to what jockeys and trainers had to say.”

McCarroll’s Bowen trip was instigated by her manager who also looks after Jackson Murphy’s rides and has strong connections in North Queensland.

Murphy is in for a big Saturday himself as he takes a nice book of rides at Cannon Park on the Cairns Amateur Cup program.