Talented apprentice Jace McMurray tipped to be next star

By Jordan Gerrans

When retired champion rider Robbie Fradd looks at emerging apprentice Jace McMurray on a mechanical horse – he just shakes his head and is blown away.

“I just do not know what we could change,” the retired hoop said.

“He has got it all kind of going smoothly.

"He is doing the right things and what we have taught him.”

The international Group 1 pilot has retired from his career in the saddle and is now working in the jockey mentor space.

He has been in the ear of Gold Coast apprentice McMurray for almost a year now.

Fradd started with him well before the teenager made his race day debut in late March.

Young Gold Coast trainer Adam Campton quickly identified Fradd as a perfect influence for his talented apprentice some time ago and the pair have worked together closely ever since.

Just 17 years of age, the Coffs Harbour product tasted winning success on his first day in the saddle at Gatton and quickly added a second winner to his tally at Gympie just a few weeks later.

Campton comes from excellent stock in the racing game, the son of Golden Slipper-winning jockey Neil and grandson of Melbourne Cup winner Les Coles.

Leading Sydney-based trainer Gerald Ryan is also an uncle of Campton’s.

He knows a top rider when he sees one.

Campton describes his young charge as naturally gifted with ability while also boasting a tireless work ethic.

Like all apprentices, McMurray has started on the country scene and his boss believes he will rise through the ranks sharply.

“He has the passion and the right work ethic – I would be very surprised if we did not hear a lot of the name Jace McMurray in a few years’ time,” Campton said of McMurray.

“Jace has been a pleasure to watch and he is only going to get better.”

McMurray is immersed in the racing game on a daily basis living at Campton’s Gold Coast stables.

When McMurray lobbed at Campton’s Aquis Park facility about a year ago, the trainer described the youngster as ‘green as grass’.

The team of Campton and Fradd have slowly built up the hoop, focusing on his patience and strength so he could handle stronger horses – which was a challenge in his early time in the Sunshine State.

Campton says Fradd’s patience with fledging riders – not just McMurray, but everyone he works with – is what sets him apart as a mentor.

Fradd has also recently started a new role as a Casual Education Support Office with Racing Queensland.

McMurray also has the benefit of being a genuine lightweight jockey.

“It is a good start with Jace because we are starting from the beginning - from scratch,” Fradd said.

“It is from the ground up.

“I have been working on him for a while and he is doing extremely well.”

In his around eight months under the guidance of Fradd, McMurray believes his emotions and decision-making process in the saddle have improved dramatically.

“It is about not getting ahead of myself and keeping a level head,” the smiling youngster said.

According to Campton, his apprentice came to his barn as a well-rounded person already despite not yet being legally able to buy himself a beer.

“They have provided a great grounding for him, Jace’s parents,” Campton said.

“They have been good parents and obviously brought him up with the right background.

“He has the right head on his shoulders to take him a long way. He has got a great work ethic and we are very lucky to have him.

“It is my name next to it all as a trainer but it is a big team help around here.”

While it was not a winner in his first official ride, the four-kilogram claimer was chuffed to land a winner on his opening day at the races.

The memorable triumph came at his third ride aboard Avenue Of Stars for Jonny Field in the Laidley Cup at Gatton, which was raced as a Benchmark 75 Handicap over a mile.

Sky broadcaster Anthony Collins made mention of McMurray’s special achievement before and after the winning post on the coverage.

Like many young horseman, McMurray started his journey to the races at pony club and was mentored by his pop Michael McMurray who also made a living in the saddle.

“Growing up I watched a lot of races with my dad but my pop was a big one,” Jace said.

“I knew it was going to be tough to become a jockey and my pop drummed that into me.

“He showed me the ropes but he did not get in my way too much. He let me figure it out myself but he was definitely a big influence.”