The stock of Benalla-based jockey Hannah Edgley is rising at a rapid rate, with a golden autumn season propelling her into one of the industry’s most exciting young prospects.
Edgley, 22, is one of six jockeys representing Victoria in the National Apprentice Race Series (NARS) which began back on March 4.
A competition that spans across six heats, each jockey tackles one race day at venues across the country as the best young talent battle it out to bring the championship crown back to their home state.
Last week, Edgley got her opportunity to strut her stuff on the NARS stage, as she featured in the second leg at Perth’s Belmont Park.
Taking over from Matthew Chadwick, who got Victoria off to a fast start in the first heat at Darwin’s Fannie Bay, Edgley maintained that leg with an impressive display over in the west.
In the first NARS leg of the day, the Benalla product rode a gallant fourth five-year-old Hoist the Colours.
Before she really shone in the second and final leg of the day, riding a winner in the form of four-year-old Magic Whistle.
Edgley said the experience of travelling to Perth and representing Victoria in the NARS was one of the highlights of her career to date.
“I loved it over there, it was a real honour to be able to go over there and represent Victoria,” Edgley said.
“I found out I had been selected about a month ago and trained really hard to ensure I’d put in a good performance.
“I got a fourth place and win over in Perth, so that obviously got Victoria a lot of points which was very pleasing and we are currently in the lead which is happy days.
“The whole experience, flying over there, staying over there and racing over there, all of it was just unreal and something I will cherish for a long time.”
Edgley’s performances over in Perth were a product of her vast improvement over the past few months.
Becoming more comfortable in the heat of battle on race day, Edgley clocked her 80th career victory in Swan Hill on Sunday, a milestone she said was a thrill to reach.
“I am improving each and every race day which is pleasing,” she said.
“Getting my 80th winner at Swan Hill yesterday was a big thrill and showed me that I am on a good path with my career at the moment.
“The ride on Sunday was a really good win and to reach little milestones like that, it just makes me more determined to keep going.”
That determination to keep going and improving has been a major driving force behind her recent success.
And as the list of winners continues to grow, Edgley outlined her goals moving forward.
“The biggest thing for me at the moment is to ride more winners in town,” she said.
“Having had a taste of it in Perth I would also love the chance to compete more interstate and just keep improving my craft.”