Promising hoop tries luck in north
NORTH Queensland work trips might become a common occurrence for New South Wales apprentice hoop Ashleigh Borg if all goes to plan today.
Borg, who is apprenticed to Garry White of Hobartville Stud fame, will ride track work for Townsville trainer Alby Molino this morning before taking three rides for Tolga trainer Roy Chillemi at Cluden Park.
The 45kg jockey has found few opportunities in Sydney, Hawkesbury and the surrounding areas and is hopeful of making regular trips north.
The 23-year-old is not interested in driving to little-known tracks in country NSW, instead opting to travel to where she feels comfortable following White’s guidance.
“We have always talked up coming up to North Queensland to get me more rides but it had not eventuated just yet,” Borg said.
“Hopefully I can keep coming up there and getting race rides, experience and use up my riding claim.
“It is a bit tough getting rides down in Sydney sometimes when there are guys like Blake Shinn and Hugh Bowman around. There is lots of competition.
“Riding out in the bush in NSW was never really on the cards for me.”
Hawkesbury trainer White said his apprentice hoop was promising in the saddle.
“She is going well. Ashleigh’s claim is a big help to her, which is a plus,” White said.
Borg takes three rides in the orange Hedley colours this afternoon — Lord Archer, Loveisall Youneed and Royal Supreme for the master trainer out of Tolga.
“I have had a look at the form before flying up and Lord Archer looks like a nice, big, strong horse,” Borg said. “Loveisall Youneed did a few things wrong in his first start and no doubt he will learn from that.
“Royal Supreme flashed home last start so that is promising.” A total of seven TAB races will be run this afternoon at Cluden Park, with the first from 1.15pm.