Molloy thriving on Caloundra shift

By Jordan Gerrans

Apprentice hoop Erin Molloy says a move to the Sunshine Coast has helped to improve her professionalism as she aims to establish herself on the provincial circuit.

The 24-year-old was previously based out of Rockhampton in Central Queensland.

She has had a busy few days in the saddle, riding at Townsville’s Cluden Park on Thursday afternoon before heading to Clifford Park on Saturday evening and then on to Caloundra’s Sunday meeting the following day.

Molloy landed a victory aboard Madnus Lee for trainer Jennifer Hatfield on Thursday at Townsville at a big price. 

Racing Queensland’s Senior Apprentice Coach Shane Scriven said Molloy made an early impression after riding her maiden winner at Bowen in March of last year.

“Erin is doing good and she was a shining light up in Rocky in the early days,” Scriven said.

“She started off going really well. She is a good young lady and has a good work ethic.”

The lightweight youngster previously worked under the tutelage of two former top jockeys who have transitioned into the training ranks - Adrian Coome at Rockhampton and Eagle Farm’s Chris Munce.

After initially working for Munce in the city, Molloy packed up and moved to Rockhampton to chase her dreams in the racing game.

She has since shifted her indenture to Caloundra conditioner Louie Peoples.

Molloy – who has 40 career winners to her name – believes riding in track gallops and in trials against seasoned riders on a consistent basis around South East Queensland is aiding her development.

“I love it here, I am settling in great,” Molloy said.

“It is very professional here, riding around the provincials.

“It has taught me to be more professional and to look up to those that are doing well around here.

“Riding with the better riders around here has definitely rubbed off on me – you learn so much riding in races around here.”

Molloy has been able to ride two winners for her boss since starting to work for Peoples.

Peoples – who is only in the infancy of his training career – has noted Damian Browne’s influence on his apprentice.

Since retiring from race riding, the former star hoop has started his own jockey mentoring business at Caloundra.

“She has improved massively since she has been with us, we think,” Peoples said.

“She has just come out of her first year into her second year now.

“She is just taking on the provincial ranks and she has been riding really well.

“I have seen a massive improvement in the way she approaches races and the way she conducts herself around the stables since she started working with Damian.”

Like many apprentices on the Sunshine Coast, Molloy takes part in the sessions Browne runs and says he has worked specifically with her around a number of aspects of her riding.

Scriven – who rode against Browne before he also retired – also referenced the Kiwi's impact on Molloy.

“We have been working a lot on neatening my riding style and strengthening my pushing,” Molloy said.

“We have also been working on using the whip.

“It is about working out the nitty-gritty bits and working out form.

“It is about getting going in the provincial scene.”

Molloy has ridden all her life, after being involved in showjumping and pony club as a youngster.

“Louie is really good and really encouraging of me going to the races,” the apprentice said.

“He helps me with my form, rides and anything else. He is a very good boss.”