Alisha Taylor on fire in new training career

By Glenn Davis

Former champion Rockhampton apprentice Alisha Taylor has been quick off the blocks in her new career as a trainer and is hopeful of more success at the Sunshine Coast on Thursday.

Taylor has been training for only three months and went to the races for the first time in late September when she trained a double from three starters at Mackay.

She has since saddled a further 12 starters and has added four more winners.

There have been two at Rockhampton and two more at Townsville on Sunday.

In total, she has prepared six wins and four placings from 15 starters.

The 34-year-old Taylor is the daughter of Caloundra trainer Garnett Taylor, who she was apprenticed to in her riding days, and is a brother to premier Rockhampton trainer Clinton Taylor.

She quit riding about a decade ago to become a mother to daughter Chloe, who is now eight, but remained active in the racing industry working as a trackwork rider for her husband, Jared Wehlow.

Wehlow was one of Rockhampton’s top trainers for many years before he quit last year to work in the mines.

Taylor admits the pressure of being a mother and trainer has its moments but is thankful for the support she receives from family members.

“It’s long hours but Chloe is a good kid and plays a lot of sport,” Taylor said.

“I’m lucky to have Jared to help out a lot of time and Clinton’s family also help when needed.”

Taylor started off training with two horses but has quickly built her numbers to 10 in work.

“It’s come quite fast,” she said.

“I was happy to have two or three to start off with, but a couple of Jared’s mates have sent a few to me.”

Taylor will venture to the Sunshine Coast for the second time with Pepperdine who has been a star performer for the stable with twos wins at Mackay and Rockhampton.

Pepperdine started his career in Victoria before he found his way into Wehlow’s barn where he won six times.

Wehlow remains a part-owner in the son of Pierro who will run in the Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1800 metres at the Sunshine Coast.

Pepperdine is coming off a last start second to Thinkhardandfast in an 1800 metre Benchmark 70 race at the Sunshine Coast on November 22.

“His last run at the Sunny Coast was enormous and he has a lot less weight this time,” she said.

“He’s been racing well and he was my first winner so hopefully he can win again.”