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Melea Castle out to do her biggest fan proud

23 March 2022

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By Jordan Gerrans

With her biggest fan cheering on, Melea Castle is keen to further her riding career as the National Apprentice Race Series stops off in Tasmania this Sunday.

The 22-year-old Castle will represent Queensland as the series turns to the Apple Isle following last Wednesday’s Sunshine State leg at Eagle Farm.

While aiming to establish herself in the Queensland riding ranks, Castle is also juggling being a mother to her growing daughter Courtney.

The apprentice hoop is on track to have her best campaign yet in the saddle in season 2021-22 and says while it can be challenging to manage all her responsibilities, it is rewarding in the end.

“It is tough sometimes when you have so many race meetings on, but it is really good, as I do really love her,” Castle said.

Courtney is a keen follower of her mother’s burgeoning career.

“Sometimes she will come to the races, she loves cheering them home,” Castle said.

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“I have an equicizer and she has a little pony next to me and she gets out there and does it with me.”

Castle has recently shifted her apprenticeship to now work for Group 1-winning trainer Chris Meagher.

Shane Scriven - Racing Queensland's Senior Apprentice Coach – says Castle is a hoop who shows plenty of promise.

“Melea has just changed bosses and is a young girl going through the ranks,” Scriven said.

“She will have two rides in Tasmania and after speaking to her recently, she is really looking forward to it.

“We will do the form on Tassie, they race the reverse way of going to what we do in Queensland.

“It is a Sunday meeting and more likely than not it will be a bit chilly in Tassie. We will get her settled in and get her mind on the job.”

She has ridden 14 winners this season and is on track to surpass her career best total of 21 victories last campaign.

Castle is enjoying the change under the Meagher barn.

“I have adjusted really easily, it has been one of my best moves,” Castle said.

“Chris has obviously been a big help and he gives me a lot of support with race rides as well.”

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On top of the NARS series races in Hobart this Sunday, Castle is optimistic of picking up a few more rides on the card to therefore enhance her riding opportunities when she does return to her home state.

“I think it will be a good experience and I am pretty excited and looking forward for it,” Castle said.

“Especially at the moment, I need a bit of a boost up so hopefully I can have a bit of luck down there in Tasmania and it can help me when I come back to Brisbane.”

Before she heads to Tasmania, Castle has three engagements this Thursday afternoon at Ipswich.

Heading into the third leg of the series, Tasmania is leading on 12 points with South Australia back in second with nine, with Queensland and Victoria trailing behind.

Adin Thompson gave Queensland a chance to lift the 2022 NARS title with a sparkling ride in the Eagle Farm leg last week.

The series culminates at Melbourne’s Sandown next Wednesday, where Queensland will be represented by exciting youngster Kyle Wilson-Taylor.