By Jordan Gerrans
At 13 years of age Shania Willis knew she wanted to work with horses through her life but was unsure of which specific role she would chase within the racing industry.
After working her way up from stable hand, to track work rider and eventually apprentice hoop – the now 18-year-old Willis believes she has found her long-term place around the horses.
She took three engagements on her first afternoon as a fully-fledged race riding jockey on Saturday afternoon at Monto.
Willis is alone in her family when it comes to her keen interest in racing - none of her immediately family have been directly involved in the sport - but they were all a proud bunch on Saturday to watch her debut.
The lightweight youngster went closest to claiming a maiden victory in her first ride – finishing second just over a length behind the winner – and while a breakthrough victory did not come first-up, it was all about experience for the Woodford-based teenager.
“I felt it went pretty good, I was pretty happy with it,” Willis said.
“I was a bit unlucky on the first ride of the three, but that happens I guess, it was close.
“It was a great experience and a good day out – I was pretty happy with it all.
“From starting out a long time ago, it took a while but once I got there on Saturday it was a big relief that I finally made a big step, I was pretty excited about it.”
Originally from Melbourne, Willis started out at Cindy Alderson’s stables as a 13-year-old and ended up in South East Queensland when her family decided to relocate around two years ago.
That is when she met trainer Gordon Hay, who prepares his gallopers on his own private track at Woodford, and is aided by Myles Plumb, who was a former champion apprentice in Queensland and rode five winners in a day at Randwick before becoming a trainer overseas.
Hay and Plumb have guided Willis towards the early stages of her riding career.
“Gordon, he is really good, he is old school but he has been a massive help for me, he is always looking after me,” she said.
“Gordon’s horses are all good to ride.
“I told Gordon I wanted to be a jockey and he has helped me since.
“Myles helps me with my riding and picking up race rides, as well.
“Hopefully I can just pick up rides and get as much experience as I can as well as getting in with some new trainers and go from there.”