Trudy Thornton to 'do me' in Queensland

By Jordan Gerrans

After making career decisions based on her family for much of her life, Group 1 rider Trudy Thornton has opted to ‘do me’ in her new move to Queensland.

The 60-year-old Thornton has followed her daughter to the Sunshine State after Samantha Collett shifted from New Zealand to Brisbane in late 2021.

The smiling Collett has cemented herself in the local riding ranks and is prominent on the city and provincial circuits.

Thornton – like her daughter Collett - has more than a 1,000 winners on her resume already after a long career in the saddle.

After a false-start at Ipswich last week, the natural lightweight takes her first ride in her new venture on Wednesday afternoon at the Bundamba-based track before fulfilling two engagements for Paul Jenkins on Thursday at Gatton.

Thornton has taken up a role riding predominantly for Jenkins at Caloundra of a morning.

“Sam being here was certainly a plus but to be honest, it is something I have wanted to do for a long time and it has always been hinged on family,” the Group 1-winning rider said.

“It has restricted my ability to do what I want but now my son is 20 years of age and is living in my place at home and has a career and working.

“So, I felt more comfortable to come over here and do me for a change.

“I love it over here so far, I love the work environment and Paul is a great guy to work for and I really appreciate the opportunity he has given me.”

Kiwi trainer Jenkins and Thornton have known each other for decades.

Jenkins has been in Australia for over 10 years now and says his new stable hoop has been an asset since she arrived recently.

“She is riding work for me in the mornings and she is about as good as it gets when it comes to educating those young horses,” the Sunshine Coast-based trainer said.

“She is a pleasure to have around in the mornings, she is just a ripper.

“We have known each other since we have been kids, so it is nice having her about. She is quite remarkable in the way that she is still doing what she is doing so well at her age.”

As Thornton points out, there is a strong crew of Kiwi’s who have set up base on the Sunshine Coast.

The Taplin family as well as Sheila Laxon are in the area as she described it as a ‘home away from home’.

The multiple Group 1-winning hoop has travelled across the ditch to Australia to ride around a dozen times across her illustrious career.

She has ridden a winner at Eagle Farm as well as venturing to Doomben and the Sunshine Coast.

Thornton will look to Jenkins as her first port of call for race day chances before taking bookings from other stables.

“I am a realist and know there is limitations for me but I will take the opportunities, I do not mind riding wherever, whenever,” the experienced hoop said.

“I am committed to Paul and I am mindful about not leaving him in the lurch as well.

“Paul and I have had an association for a while and it has been great to be here and work with him.

“I am happy to do outside horses to but I want to stick by Paul as he has been very good to me.”

Thornton heads to Ipswich Turf Club on Wednesday for one ride in the Maiden Plate over 1350 metres, Khant Quit for Kerry Taplin.

The hoop described Khant Quit as ‘raw’ and 'still learning'.

She then ventures out to Lockyer Valley Turf Club on Thursday for two from the Jenkins barn: Jane His Wife and Atlantic Royal.

“They are both good chances, they are working well and are happy,” she said of the Thursday rides at Gatton.

“They are fit and ready to do the job.

“Hopefully things work race day and a winner would be good.

“I would like to think they are both good rides but I am still touching base about doing form, pattern and all those things. Sam has been a big help with those things."