Saunders salutes Goodwin after career-best treble

By Jordan Gerrans

Toowoomba hoop Hayley Saunders has credited the guidance and support of her master, Mark Goodwin, following the career-best day of her short riding tenure at Tambo on Saturday.

The 20-year-old has endured a tough run with injuries over the last year or so, but has bounced back impressively, registering her maiden treble at the Central West venue.

As Saunders pointed out, it was also her first race-day double, which quickly became a treble when she scored her third victory on the program.

The apprentice jockey is indentured to respected Darling Downs horseman Goodwin, who she says has been integral to her development as a rider since she joined his stable.

“Everyone loves him and everyone knows him,” Saunders said of her boss.

“You can't go anywhere without someone asking how he is going. 

"To be 80 years old and still shoeing your own horses, it's next level.”

As well as being a popular figure within the industry, stalwart Toowoomba trainer Goodwin also has a keen eye on his apprentice’s development.

He only stepped away from riding trackwork himself a few years ago, while he also mentored his late daughter Leigh-Anne when she was riding across the Sunshine State. 

After three winners on Saturday, Saunders is taking on all the advice the revered horseman can offer.

“He's a big helper,” she said.

“We'll sit there after race days and go through replays. 

"We'll work out what I need to fix. If I have a bad ride, we'll sit down and watch the replay and he'll tell me what to do next time.

“If I have trouble with a horse, he'll give me ways how to fix it until it's comfortable for me that I know what I'm doing.

“He knows what he is talking about.”

Saunders spent a large portion of last season on the sidelines due to a couple of unfortunate injuries.

Speaking in late 2025 when Saunders was out hurt, her master backed her to make a positive return.

“She is a good worker and good young girl, who has been through a bit lately,” Goodwin said last year.

Saunders travelled to Tambo on Saturday with a full book of engagements for Battle of the Bush-winning conditioner William Pugsley.

Pugsley and Goodwin have been close mates for almost half-a-century, which helped build the connection for the apprentice rider.

She saluted aboard Mistrey Emperor, Transceltic and Sheriff's Star for the Charleville conditioner while also riding Pontoon Prince into third place.

It was a dream day at the track for the apprentice jockey.

“I am still absolutely over the moon about it,” she said.

“I knew I had a good book of rides. They were pretty well all the same instructions - just get to the front and just let them rip a few hundred metres from home.

“It was pretty well all the same instructions.

“I got to the lead easy and the horses did the rest of the work.

“I'm hoping it's going to be the great start to a new season, especially after everything I've been through.

“I hope it's just going to pan out how I want it to, this season.”

Saunders initially got her start in racing in Emerald a few seasons ago, but has settled in nicely at Toowoomba.

After her Tambo treble and another winner at Middlemount late last month, she is keen to travel far and wide to gain as much experience as possible in the saddle.

“I gave Pugsley a hand a few years ago and then ever since then, he's just been looking out for me and waiting for me to ride,” she said.

“I've ridden for him for a while, but it's mainly just been placings I keep getting for him and then the weekend just kicked it off.

“I want to go out west because of the travel, it helps me get my name out there.

“I want to do the hard yards for the work.”

Pugsley claimed the BOTB decider with Roll Up earlier this year in town. 

Saunders heads to Roma later this month to further her riding skillset.

She now has 10 winners to her name after debuting in the 2024-25 campaign.