Toowoomba’s Jade Metcalfe relishing her career choice in racing

By Jordan Gerrans

Toowoomba’s Jade Metcalfe first got into the racing industry because she loved horses.

Like many high school students in their teenage years with an equine interest, she rode some track work and cleaned out a few boxes at the local stables.

“I just wanted to see horses, they were my only interest,” she recalls.

Weighing in at just 43kgs, Metcalfe was instructed by most she met in racing that she should pursue a career as a jockey with her slight stature.

The former Wilsonton State High School student followed that advice and did so.

“I didn’t know how much work you actually had to put into it to become a jockey: the fitness, the theory, the research, there is so much to understand and learn,” Metcalfe said just days after she made her debut appearance as an apprentice jockey.

“I had no idea about any of that, I thought I would just give it a crack because I liked horses and I was small.

“I found out there was a lot to do but after finding that out, doing it all and working so hard at it, it has made me really intrigued and want to do it all.

“I am all set now, this is my future now and I am really happy with the career I have chosen.”

Metcalfe is over the moon with the decision she made in regards to her employment future and the 19-year-old kicked off her new venture in perfect fashion last Saturday afternoon at Warwick.

The lightweight youngster took three rides on her first day at the races and was successful at the last of her three engagements, which was aboard Witch Day for her boss Wayne Nugent.

Darling Downs trainer Nugent has been instrumental in Metcalfe’s journey as a fledgling hoop, initially handing her more opportunities as a stable hand before guiding her towards becoming a jockey.

All three of Metcalfe’s rides at Warwick last Saturday were for Nugent, who she has worked for since August of 2021.

It was four-year-old mare Witch Day who handed the rookie rider her first triumph.

The daughter of Rebel Dane has long been beloved by Metcalfe so it was a fitting result as the pair combined to score in the Benchmark 60 Handicap over 1500 metres.

“I have ridden her so many times before, she is my favourite horse,” the teenager said of Witch Day.

“All those things combined, I never missed any of her races, I would always go and watch her before I was riding to see how she would go.

“I always listened to the jockeys’ feedback that rode her previously so I could know much more about her so I was prepared to ride her when I got the chance.

“I wanted to know how she would react and when something did not pan out her for, because of all that, I knew what the next step was for her.”

Metcalfe has lived in Toowoomba for the last five years but initially hails from the Gold Coast.

Many of her friends and family made the long journey to Allman Park race course at Warwick last week for the special occasion.

Metcalfe was overcome by her emotions after nabbing her maiden victory.

“It was an amazing feeling and I did not expect it,” she said.

“I wanted the best outcome for my horse to make my trainer happy and that was a win, so I was very, very happy.

“I was surprised and did not really prepare to win as I was crying after the race.

“It was awesome, I was so happy.”

After making her debut on the non-TAB country circuit last Saturday, the Toowoomba hoop gets her chance at a TAB meeting this week, heading to Gatton.

She has been booked for All Stashed Up, who is trained by Jennifer Fraser, and Michael Hemmings’ Voulait.            

All Stashed Up is only a lightly raced five-year-old mare and a galloper that Metcalfe knows well.

“I ride her work and I am very close to Jenny, so I am excited to hopefully have a great outcome for her,” she said.

“With my claim, hopefully that’s a big advantage.

“I have done my form and I should be able to go to the front from my awkward barrier.”