Hatch ready to open new door for Jess Emmerson

By Jordan Gerrans

The Lindsay Hatch barn at Toowoomba can produce a talented youngster and the next cab off the rank will get her feet wet when she heads to Texas on Saturday afternoon. 

Apprentice hoop Jess Emmerson has been waiting in the wings for her debut appearance on race day for some time and the Hatch yard will finally unleash her on the non-TAB circuit. 

The 24-year-old heads to the bush Queensland track with five rides on her maiden day at the races, three for her boss Hatch and one each for Darling Downs conditioner Nicholas Beck and Gilbert Baker.

Emmerson hails from the Lockyer Valley of the Sunshine State and has been under the watch of the Clifford Park trainer for the last five years.

The partnership of Hatch and Emmerson have most certainly taken their time with her riding journey as the youngster has completed more than 70 trials ahead of Saturday's first appearance at the races. 

The young hoop believes the longer than usual wait will benefit her in the long run.  

“I am stoked to be going out there and I am very grateful Lindsay has taken really good care of me since I started with him,” Emmerson said.

“He started me off and we have taken it slow. But, I am very grateful for that.

“I feel like he has given me every chance to be ready to go. I am excited for Saturday.

“To be able to start with a master like Lindsay, he was able to start from scratch with me and my riding. He has watched me progress.

“I have done more trials than you need to ride in races but in Lindsay’s opinion, you need to do more than what is required to be confident and know what you are doing. I have trusted him and it has worked out really well.”

Talented apprentices Baylee Nothdurft, Kyle Wilson-Taylor, Angela Jones and Jake Molloy have all gone through Hatch’s stable at Toowoomba in recent times.

Like that quartet, Hatch acknowledges that some within the local industry on the Darling Downs have a big opinion of Emmerson’s ability, but he is aiming to help keep her feet firmly planted on the ground. 

“She has got a long way to go,” Hatch said.

“But, she can’t do any more than what she has done so far as she has done everything right. She is where she needs to be at this stage of her career.

“She is a good girl that listens. She is a good listener.”

Emmerson initially started with Hatch as a stablehand and trackwork rider. 

The idea of her chasing an apprenticeship in the saddle was once floated by her boss which was knocked back. 

About eight months later, Emmerson came back to Hatch with a different decision and the team have been focused on their goal ever since. 

Emmerson has ridden all her life and competed in showjumping from a young age. 

Her journey towards a full-time role in the racing industry commenced when she completed a cadetship through Thoroughbred Industry Careers in Sydney.

That lead to Emmerson spending a year with Godolphin.

“That kicked it off,” she reflected.

“It was unreal with Godolphin; it was second to none down there.

“They give you every opportunity to learn every aspect of racing. I wouldn’t be here without it; I am very grateful for the opportunity I had down there.

“I started riding breakers there, did some time with the broodmares and spelling, as well as a stint with the stallions.

“You learn about every aspect of it all.”

Long-time Toowoomba trainer Hatch will have a runner in a stakes race on Saturday at Eagle Farm but he will head all the way out to Texas to support his debutant apprentice. 

He did the same all those years ago when Jones debuted at Dalby.

Emmerson will ride Pull The Catch, Powerful Warrior and Milton Road for her boss on Saturday while she will also partner Ready And Mabel for Beck in the Benchmark 55 Handicap over 900 metres.  

She knows the four well after riding them in gallops, jump-outs or trials ahead of her first race day engagements. 

“I am really excited to ride the horse in the Texas Cup, Milton Road,” she said.

“But, I also think the other two horses of Lindsay’s are a good chance, he has placed them well.

“They are both races they should be able to break their maiden in, which would be nice.

“I really fancy the horse of Nick Beck’s, as well, because I have trialed and jumped her out a couple of times. She is a really nice filly, Ready And Mabel.”