Emily, from Tumbarumba, is a young trackwork rider who works for Wagga trainer and former Harden man Scott Spackman.

She has had ten trials before being classified as an ‘approved rider’, with her now able to compete at picnic race meets and other amateur events.

At the Albury race meet, Emily rode three horses, in races 2, 3 and 6, all on soft 5 track conditions.

Emily’s first run on the day came on the back of Namarari, finishing sixth in the 1175 metre race, coming from barrier five.

Her next run came in race 2 on Miracle Knight.

Emily finished fifth place in the 1000 metre race, with a time of just over a minute.

The young jockey’s final and most productive run of the day came on eight-year-old Cryfowl, a Spackman trained veteran horse.

Emily positioned Cryfowl well coming onto the final straight, however, the seasoned campaigner couldn’t produce in the finishing stages.

“I actually thought she was going to win on Cryfowl, the way he spun around the corner.

He’s just lacking that bit of sprint about him now; he’s got a bit of age on him,” trainer Scott said.

“She rode him a treat, but we weren’t good enough.”

Scott was impressed with the young jockey from Tumbarumba and her ride on Cryfowl.

“He’s been around a while, and he knows a few tricks. She rode him really well and was just a bit stiff not to fall into a place, I think.

“She was actually on the fence running last, but she did a good job and got out on him and rolled forward on him from about 400 metres out.

“At one stage there I thought he was just going to go straight past them all, but Cryfowl is a bit too smart for that.”

Speaking on Emily’s overall debut at a professional race meet, Scott was confident in Emily’s ability going forward.

“She went super. She was a little bit nervous at the start as it was her first go, but in her last, she went really well on Cryfowl,” he said.

“She enjoyed the experience I’m pretty sure – and she’s definitely not giving it away in a hurry.

Whilst it is not yet certain when Emily’s next professional racing meet will be, Scott confirmed there definitely would be the next time, even hinting that a Cootamundra appearance could be on the cards.

“She’s going to learn a lot from the experience on the weekend and she’ll only get better from it,” he continued.

“They are talking about having a race meet in Cootamundra after the Coota Cup.

“We’re not exactly sure when Emily’s next run will be, but have no doubt, there will be another run.”

Emily can hold her head up high after a consistent and reliable debut performance.

“I’m very proud of Emily and her achievements,” Scott said.

Tim Warren