JERILDERIE apprentice jockey Sally Sweeney enjoyed a dream start to her riding career at Balranald on Saturday.
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Sweeney partnered Lachlan Lily to victory in the $10,000 Spring Cup (1200 metres) for her father and Jerilderie trainer Phil in her first ride.
“It was awesome to get a winner from my first ride,” Sally Sweeney said.
“I reckon I have been dreaming of it happening since I was about 14.
“I couldn’t believe it when we crossed the line first and I got fairly emotional because dad trained the horse and I can’t thank the owners enough for putting me on for my first ride.
“To win a cup in my first ride also made it extra special.”
Sweeney’s older sister Brooke is also a jockey who is close to completing the second year of her apprenticeship.
The win capped a big weekend for the family after Sweet Emily won for Phil on Friday night on a rare venture to the city.
Brooke also landed a double at Berrigan aboard La Bella Blue and Jamie’s Star and narrowly failed to take out the Berrigan Cup aboard Cee Cee ‘N’ Dry, who finished second behind Defenceman.
Sally Sweeney, 18, has just completed her HSC exams, which was a prerequisite from her father before becoming a jockey.
“Dad always said to Brooke and I that he wanted us to finish school before becoming jockeys,” she said.
“Just so we have got that certificate behind us in case anything happens and we change our minds about being jockeys.
“Since Brooke became a jockey it made me more determined to follow her footsteps and she has been a tremendous help in me getting this far.
“The Ledger family have also been terrific supporters and have taught me a lot and I used to work at their stables every school holidays.
“And of course it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of mum and dad, our foreman Alan Curtis and the workers at Sweeney Racing who are tireless behind the scenes.”
Sweeney can ride at 50 kilograms, making her eligible to claim the full four kilograms if a horse is on the minimum weight of 54 kilograms.