Talented apprentice Lenton looks to shine at Emerald

By Glenn Davis

The Emerald meeting on Tuesday is shaping up to be a big day for promising apprentice Kelsey Lenton.

Lenton is apprenticed to Toowoomba trainer Matt Kropp and has a strong book of five rides on the six-race program.

Three of her rides, Three Tees (Maiden Plate), Our Heart Throb (Ratings Band 0 - 55 Handicap) and Our Berlinetta in the Class 1 Plate, are for Rockhampton trainer Tim Cook.

Local trainer Glenda Bell has engaged Lenton for New Level in the Benchmark 68 Handicap and Yubetido in the Benchmark 65 Handicap.

Lenton is making big strides in her riding career and is striking at more than 18% this season with 29 wins from 158 rides.

Although she doesn’t come from a racing background, Lenton cut her teeth in barrel racing and rodeo which took her around Australia and overseas to the United States.

After starting a job as a stable hand in North Queensland, she eventually became an apprentice to Townsville trainer Georgie Holt.

She also spent a brief period riding for Scone-based trainer Brett Cavanough in Western Queensland as well Jane Clement at Armidale in Northern NSW.

Among her wins for Cavanough was a Betoota Cup aboard Fusaichi Family last year.

“She came to me just before Christmas and she’s going well,” Kropp said.

“She’s only just got her provincials licence and has already ridden four winners so far.

“She’s a very hard worker with a good racing brain and she can ride light.”

Kropp believes Lenton has a bright future in the saddle.

Her ability has also caught the attention of Emerald’s Bell and Rockhampton’s Cook who have been big supporters of apprentice riders in recent years.

Bell believes New Level is the best of Lenton’s rides for her stable after she finished fifth on the five-year-old in a 1200 metre Benchmark race at Thangool last month.

“She’s ridden him before and wanted to ride him again when she got off last time,” Bell said of Lenton.  

“I think he’ll go well.

“Kelsey hasn’t ridden a winner for me yet but I’ve seen her a lot and I’m very impressed with her.

“I saw her ride out west with Cavanough and she rides very well.

"I like to give apprentices a go, especially if they’ve got some ability.”