Alex Gorey
Master: Joe Gleeson
Alex is 17 and left school in Year 9 to pursue a career as a jockey. His interest grew after accompanying his uncle to the track. Alex has won several agricultural show ribbons and trophies, including state championships in cattle and sheep.
He credits Group 1-winning jockeys Robbie Fradd and Michael Cahill for supporting his development. His goal is to finish in the top 10 during his first year as a country apprentice before progressing to metropolitan racing.
Quick facts
- Favourite racehorse: Ruffain
- Favourite jockey: Damien Oliver
- Favourite food: Steak
- Favourite sporting team: Brisbane Broncos
- Horse he would love to ride: Via Sistina
- Dream race: Gold Cup at Royal Ascot
- Hidden talent: Singing
Bethany Allday
Master: Toby Edmonds
Originally from Melbourne, Bethany has lived in Queensland for five years and has ridden trackwork for more than 10 years. She began working as a stablehand in Year 12 before completing a Certificate III in Racing. Bethany is proud to have been part of Spicy Martini’s Stradbroke preparation and to have had one of her photographs featured on a newspaper front page.
Her goal is to continue developing her skills and build a strong reputation as a jockey.
Quick facts
- Favourite racehorse: Black Caviar
- Favourite jockey: Craig Williams
- Favourite food: Veggie dumplings
- Favourite sporting team: Sydney Swans
- Horse she would love to ride: Black Caviar
- Dream race: Cox Plate
- Outside racing: Photography, drawing commissions and studying sports science
Harry Cahill
Master: Chris Waller (Brett Killion)
Harry is in Year 11 and rides trackwork at the Gold Coast Turf Club. Racing runs in his family, with his grandfather, father and uncle all having been jockeys. His father Michael has been his strongest influence. Harry’s biggest achievement is strapping Birdman for his Doomben Cup win.
His goal is to complete a successful apprenticeship and later win a metropolitan premiership.
Quick facts
- Favourite racehorse: Birdman
- Favourite jockey: Craig Williams
- Favourite food: Burger and fries
- Favourite sporting team: Manly Sea Eagles
- Horse he would love to ride: Winx
- Dream race: Melbourne Cup
- Outside racing: Fishing and golf
Hope Rees
Master: Michael Morrison
Hope is 23, grew up in Brisbane and is a mother to her daughter, Kehlani. She began riding in Cambridge, New Zealand, before taking two years away during her pregnancy and maternity leave. After returning, Chris Maloney encouraged her to pursue trackwork riding. Jasmine Cornish, Cobi Vitler and Michael Cahill have all supported her development.
Hope considers balancing motherhood and racing her greatest achievement. Hope would love to ride her favourite horse, Petite Palace in a race, with her long-term goal to win a Group 1 race.
Quick facts
- Favourite racehorse: Petite Palace
- Favourite jockey: Cobi Vitler
- Favourite food: Sushi
- Horses she would love to ride: Black Caviar or Winx
- Dream races: Melbourne Cup or Stradbroke
- Outside racing: Spending time with her family, dog and best friend
Jessica Black
Master: Darren Bell
Jessica is 24 and has been around horses from an early age. She progressed from pony club and interschool competitions to eventing before working for Australian event rider Shane Rose, where she was introduced to thoroughbred racing. After returning to Queensland, she began riding trackwork and decided to pursue race riding. Her partner and Robbie Fradd have supported her development.
Jessica wants to make the most of her apprenticeship and continue developing into the best rider she can be.
Quick facts
- Favourite racehorse: Black Caviar
- Favourite jockey: James McDonald
- Favourite food: Sushi
- Favourite sport to watch: Eventing
- Horse she would love to ride: Via Sistina
- Dream race: The Everest
- Outside racing: Pilates, running and reading
Maddy O’Grady
Master: James Healy
Maddy is 20 and has lived on the Sunshine Coast her entire life. She began riding horses at six and entered racing through Peachester Lodge before progressing to a racing stable. Michelle Payne’s Melbourne Cup victory inspired her to pursue race riding, while jockey Ben Thompson has influenced her through his professionalism.
Maddy considers selection for the Queensland Apprentice Jockey Program her greatest achievement. Her goals are to win several premierships and ultimately, the Melbourne Cup.
Quick facts
- Favourite racehorse: Mr Brightside
- Favourite jockey: Craig Williams
- Favourite food: Crab
- Favourite sporting team: Sunshine Coast Lightning
- Horse she would love to ride: Mr Brightside
- Dream race: Melbourne Cup
- Outside racing: Campdrafting, riding dirt bikes and racing cars with her dad
