By Jordan Gerrans
Rockhampton trainer Tim Cook has high hopes for stable apprentice Erin Molloy, who is set to make her race day debut this Saturday afternoon at Home Hill.
The 22-year-old Molloy had a busy morning at the Callaghan Park trials on Monday morning to prepare for her maiden day at the races.
The lightweight youngster has been with experienced Central Queensland trainer Cook for the last year and a half.
She previously worked under the tutelage of two former top jockeys, who have transitioned into the training ranks, Adrian Coome at Rockhampton and Eagle Farm’s Chris Munce.
“She has had a pretty good grounding for who she has rode with before coming to me,” Cook said.
“She has been in the industry for about six years now, she has done her fair time.
“When she came to me 18 months ago she was not 100 percent keen to be an apprentice but she got the love for it.
“I think my stable of around 10 or 12 horses suits her as she likes the smaller numbers and she can concentrate on them while also riding some outside work.
“She is now at the start of it all.”
As well as learning her craft in CQ, Molloy also travelled to Brisbane late last year and rode in trials for the Tony Gollan and Lindsay Gough yard’s at Doomben.
The four kilogram claimer is set to take three engagements on her first day in the saddle, two for her boss Cook as well as one for Joshua Manzelmann.
According to Cook, one of Molloy’s strengths is her positive attitude.
“She is very willing and a happy go-lucky girl, which helps,” the trainer said.
“She loves the game now.
“She is a very friendly girl, which helps in the racing industry.”
Molloy – who hails from Brisbane – has ridden all her life, after being involved in show jumping and pony club as a youngster.
She is not likely to have any issues with her weight any time soon, walking around at 50 kilograms this week ahead of her debut rides.
“I am pretty excited and just going to go there and have fun really,” Molloy said.
“I am going to take things nice and slow.”