Skye’s reign one to savour
Clifford Park reign one for the ages
RACING: Skye Bogenhuber’s imminent move from Toowoomba to Perth ends a reign Clifford Park racing has not seen the likes of previously.
After getting her apprenticeship rolling on the country circuit Bogenhuber moved to Toowoomba in 2008 looking to create a career foothold.
She went on to smash records and create history while along the way helping blow further shackles off female race riding equality in Australia.
Despite the bold efforts of Toowoomba female riders — including Lisa Francis, Lacey Morrison and Kristy Banks — prior to Bogenhuber’s arrival at Clifford Park, female jockeys have long divided opinion amongst racing followers.
Racing tradition is a tough nut to crack.
But the achievements of Bogenhuber have proven to be an inspiration for those who follow her — both male and female.
Bogenhuber now plans on trying her luck in the Perth metropolitan ranks.
It will be a huge task for a country-based rider from the other side of the country.
But if anyone is equipped to give it a shot, it’s Bogenhuber.
After first arriving in Toowoomba to link with father and son trainers Darryl and Tony Gollan, Bogenhuber was soon winning admirers with her work ethic and ability to find the winner’s stall.
She created history in the 2012-13 racing season when she became the first female to win a Clifford Park premiership.
That was to be the first of five successive title wins, a feat not achieved by any jockey in the modern Clifford Park era.
Bogenhuber created more history after becoming the first female rider to win the Weetwood Handicap, compliments of her 2013 effort on Miss Imagica for trainer Michael Nolan.
She also remains the only female rider to have secured Toowoomba’s feature double after her Toowoomba Cup win aboard Bang On in 2013.
Bogenhuber has formed many successful Toowoomba partnerships but her connection to the Nolan stable has probably been her most lucrative.
“Skye’s very hard working. She hardly misses a morning at the track,” Nolan said this week.
“She is very determined and professional in her approach.
“She’s also very tough. “But on top of that Skye is just a good person who is very popular with our staff.
“We’ll miss her.”
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She is very determined and professional in her approach.
— Michael Nolan