Shred impresses on return to Far North
Mareeba teen a dream to work with according to new boss Bailey
FORMER Mareeba student Rachel Shred will have a homecoming of sorts after transferring her jockey apprenticeship to the reigning Cairns Amateurs Cup-winning stable of Alwyn Bailey.
The 19-year-old has previously ridden for leading Mackay trainer Olivia Cairns but has returned to the Far North recently.
Shred, who started as a stable hand with Bailey before relocating to Mackay, moves to Cairns for an initial threemonth loan period with an eye to remaining at Cannon Park for the long term.
Bailey, who bagged a winner at Cluden Park on Tuesday as Female Officer claimed the $14,000 Three-Years-Old Maiden Handicap (1200m), believes the teenage hoop will be an asset to his team.
“She has brightened the stable up but as well as that, she is getting the job done,” Bailey said. “Rachel is a very good kid. “She is well-mannered and works hard. She listens, she sits well on the horse and does everything right.
“I can only see her improving.”
The new Bailey stable jockey is straight into the action on Saturday at Innisfail Turf Club, riding Ziegelbauer, Near the City and Craiglea Aldi.
She is in form, booting home a winner in her last race ride at Thangool last month.
As an apprentice, Shred claims 3kg at a non-TAB track, with Bailey keen to get his new hoop a TAB licence in the near future.
“Amanda Thomson is down to claiming 2kg after she rode a winner at Townsville on Tuesday so Rachel will be the only apprentice in the north that claims 3kg now,” Bailey said.
“If she can get four or five rides a week, that will be great for her.”
Bailey-trained Ranked won the $75,000 Cairns Amateur Cup Open Handicap (2100m) last year.
Five non-TAB races will be held at Innisfail this Saturday afternoon while seven TAB races will be run at Rockhampton Jockey Club tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Tyzone has drawn barrier five and will carry 54kg in the $70,000 Open Handicap (1110m) this Saturday at Doomben.