Georgina McDonnell set to bolster North Queensland jockey ranks

By Jordan Gerrans

Far North Queensland will be the first port of call for Georgina McDonnell in her riding adventure around Australia for the coming year.

The 33-year-old has been a fixture on the provincial and country circuit around NSW in recent seasons, frequenting track such as Port Macquarie, Taree and Grafton, among others.

She has also had experience in the city south of the border, as well.

The lightweight hoop is hopeful of having her first rides in the Sunshine State this Saturday as she kicks off an epic journey around the country.

McDonnell’s partner Kody Nestor – a fellow jockey – will be on the sidelines through injury for around 12 months and the duo have decided to travel around Australia.

It is set to be a working holiday for McDonnell as she rides wherever she travels.

They have made their way north in recent weeks and stopped at towns along the way.

“We thought now that I am a senior jockey we may as well travel around and try and ride around Australia pretty much, it pays the bills,” McDonnell said.

“We get to see all different areas. We bought a van and it is pretty set up and has everything you need.

“We both said this is something we have always wanted to do but racing becomes your life and it can be hard.

“This is a perfect opportunity to do it.”

McDonnell was still waiting on her license to be approved in Queensland on Thursday morning.

Once it is, she will commence riding track work in Cairns and has bookings for Saturday’s non-TAB races at Innisfail.

The program from Innisfail’s Pease Park is the biggest of the year for the Cassowary Coast-based club, with the Innisfail Cup and Johnston River Handicap to be run.

The father and son training partnership of Trevor and Peter Rowe have given McDonnell the ride of Calm Is Power on Saturday if her license is approved in time.

The galloper will be first-up in the QTIS Maiden Plate over the speedy 900 metres.

“We are happy to put her on,” co-trainer Peter said.

Nestor is out for a year with a serious neck injury he suffered in a racing accident.

McDonnell has spoken with a number of North Queensland trainers who are keen to give her opportunities on race day during her stay in the local area. 

“We are thinking a month or two months in Cairns and then we want to head to Darwin,” she said.

“We want to get back to Dubbo for Christmas with Kody’s family down and then we will head south after that.”

McDonnell has 85 winners to her name after recently finishing her apprenticeship.

Innisfail’s program on Saturday will contain a Country Cups Challenge heat, which doubles as the Innisfail Cup.

The winner will qualify for the decider in Brisbane on December 2, which will be run for $200,000 over 1600 metres.