By Jordan Gerrans
Searching for a change of scenery and more direction in her life, Lauren Guernier decided to chase her passion for horses.
While most emerging riders get started as teenagers, the Far North Queensland-based Guernier opted to take the slightly unusual route of becoming a mature-age apprentice jockey.
The 27-year-old will step out for the first time on race day this Saturday afternoon at Innisfail.
It has been a long journey for Guernier but for those that have watched her since she entered the racing industry, they have been blown away by her persistence.
She originally started riding track work at Innisfail’s Pease Park before transferring to Cairns’ Cannon Park just over a year ago.
Innisfail trainer Krystin Allender helped teach Guernier how to ride track work and will be watching on with pride on Saturday afternoon.
"From the day she started riding she has always tried, she never gave up no matter the road bumps and the times she wanted to give up she had enough positive support to keep going," Allender said.
"I am very proud of her for making it to her first race rides after the long journey she has been on."
Guernier completes her apprenticeship through veteran Cairns trainer Fred Wieland.
The rookie rider notes the support of Wieland, Allender as well as the father-and-son training partnership of Trevor and Peter Rowe have helped spur her along.
“I have always been someone that doubted myself a lot but I have had people around me who have seen me ride, seen where I have come from with my riding and progressed,” Guernier said.
“That has helped with my confidence, being told by people in the industry that I was doing well.
“My boss Fred and other trainers at the track have been happy with how I am going, which has really helped me along.”
The mature-age hoop worked in several different jobs earlier in her life before embarking on a career in the saddle.