Queensland chasing National Apprentice Race Series redemption

Queensland’s National Apprentice Race Series team will be on the hunt for redemption in 2026. 

Racing Queensland has today announced the six jockeys selected to represent the state in the upcoming series, which commences in Alice Springs on Sunday, March 15.

The Queensland team will be led by young gun Tahlia Fenlon, who has enjoyed a strong start to the 2025/26 season with eight metropolitan wins to her name. 

Alongside Fenlon as the Sunshine State’s official representatives will be Thomas Orr, Leah Martyn, Corey Sutherland, Emily Lang, and Bella Youngberry. 

Having claimed the coveted NARS trophy for the first time in 2023, the Queensland team will be looking to bounce back from two disappointing campaigns in 2024 and 2025. 

Central Queensland apprentice Thomas Orr will represent Queensland for the first time, making the trip to the nation’s Red Centre to open the series. 

Leah Martyn will don the maroon in the Apple Isle, before the series heads west to Belmont, Western Australia, where Corey Sutherland will fly the flag for Queensland. 

Fenlon, who is apprenticed to co-trainers Chris and Corey Munce, will again saddle up for the state when the series hits Eagle Farm in April, where a four-strong Queensland contingent take the reins.

The 22-year-old said it was an honour to be named captain and follow in the footsteps of former skippers Angela Jones, Cejay Graham and Lang who have gone on to enjoy success in the senior riding ranks.

“It’s definitely a privilege being captain for such a competitive team this year, they are a great bunch of riders, and I think we can go very well,” Fenlon said. 

“We haven't been too competitive the last couple of years, but this year we have a really strong team, and I think we can be very competitive and up there. 

“We have a mixture of girls and boys across all different levels, being metropolitan, provincial and country, and all have different riding styles. 

“I think just even the experience we all gather from this will be really good for our careers moving forward.” 

Lang, a seasoned NARS veteran, will be hoping to have the Sunshine State in a strong position at Sandown on April 15, before the action heads to Murray Bridge for the finale on April 22, where the champions will be crowned on the day. 

Leading the way on the final day will be Bella Youngberry, who has notched up 24 victories in the race for the Queensland Provincial Apprentice Premiership. 

“The National Apprentice Race Series is a fantastic initiative for young apprentices across Australia, and our Queensland team is chasing redemption after last year’s campaign,” RQ Senior Apprentice Coach Shane Scriven said. 

“With Tahlia Fenlon named as the new captain, we are confident the Queensland squad that has been assembled will be able to take back the NARS bragging rights again. 

“The series is a brilliant way to have some of Queensland’s best up-and-comers experience riding at different tracks nation-wide, and we look forward to watching the series unfold over the coming weeks.”

Both Queensland heats will be run for $45,000, with a $5,000 bonus once again on offer to the winning trainer of each respective race.