Jake Molloy to hit the ground running in the city

By Jordan Gerrans

Promising apprentice Jake Molloy will dip his toes into city racing on Wednesday and believes once the new season commences later in the year, he will be able to hit the ground running.

The Toowoomba-based youngster has been one of the form rides in the Sunshine State on the provincial circuit this season.  

The 23-year-old sits inside the top 10 for Queensland hoops this campaign – riding 55 winners so far – while also being placed third on the provincial premiership.

Molloy – who works for Lindsay Hatch at Clifford Park – is 20 winners clear of the next apprentice on the provincial title, with Melea Castle piloting 35 so far.

Molloy makes his maiden trip to the city as part of the National Apprentice Race Series for 2023, competing in one of the two races on the program, the NARS Class 1 Plate over 1200 metres.

While it is just one ride in the metropolitan arena, the promising hoop thinks it will be a key stepping stone for when he makes a permanent move to the city.

The three-kilogram claimer in town has picked up the ride of Control Freak for premier trainer Tony Gollan on Wednesday at Eagle Farm.

“It is obviously nerve-racking but it is also exciting,” Molloy said.

“I think I am ready.

“I think I will be really ready to do it by the end of this current season.

“I am going to go in on Wednesday, have a look around and hopefully we can come out a winner.

“All in all, it will be a good experience and that is what is all about, I guess.”

Hatch – who is renowned as a top mentor of apprentice jockeys – has also had Angela Jones, Kyle Wilson-Taylor and Baylee Nothdurft work for his stable on the Darling Downs before they transitioned to riding in the city.

Jones and Nothdurft moved from Hatch’s barn to work for Gollan in the city.

Molloy will speak to Hatch in the coming weeks around where his future lies heading into the 2023-24 campaign when he will ride more prominently on the city circuit.

“I will talk to Hatchy about it all soon, but I like it here in Toowoomba and living here,” he said.

“I might ride some work in town some more, that might be the plan.

‘I will do whatever Hatchy thinks is best for me.”

Molloy was formerly based on the Sunshine Coast in 2020 and 2021.

He has settled into life on the Darling Downs well, recently purchasing a ten acre property at Westbrook alongside his partner.

“It is a bit of work the property but my partner has got horses and show jumpers and all that,” he said.

“She is happy with it.”

Molloy has been in hot form this month, riding doubles at Ipswich and Dalby.

Queensland currently leads the NARS Series with 47 points after Emily Lang claimed two wins in Adelaide last Wednesday.

Victoria is in second place with 32 points while South Australia is five points adrift in third place.

Queensland is yet to win the coveted NARS series but has been a bridesmaid a few times in recent years.

There will be two events for the apprentices on Wednesday, the NARS Class 1 Plate over 1200 metres and the NARS Class 1 Plate over 1600 metres.

Following his Wednesday city debut, Molloy heads to Ipswich on Thursday for a book of three rides.