AUGUST 27, 2024: IT’S been some week for Poppie Gorton!
Not only has the 17-year-old budding jockey been given pre-approval to become apprenticed to leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup, but has also been selected as one of two locals to be sponsored by Hawkesbury Race Club for Equimillion 2024.
The other is Brooke Somers, who currently rides work for Hawkesbury trainer Blake Ryan.
She was successful at last year’s Equimillion in the 95 Division, and will compete as an amateur in the Eventing disclipine.
RacingNSW has announced minimum prizemoney of $1m for the competition to be held at Sydney International Equestrian Centre from October 4-7 exclusively for retired thoroughbred racehorses competing across eventing, showhorse, show jumping and dressage disclipines.
Gorton, who won the junior eventing division at last year’s inaugural Equimillion, has been working at the Widdup stable since early last year.
“Poppie has been given pre-approval to be apprenticed to Brad pending an interview with stewards to begin riding in barrier trials,” Widdup’s wife Milissa said.
“She has had a really good grounding to become a jockey, and has to compete in 20 trials before being licensed to start riding in races.
“Poppie and her sister Ruby are from Grose Wold, and both are excellent young horsewomen.
“She will ride an ex-racehorse Dusted, who now goes under the name of Done and Dusted.
“He is owned by Rosie Jilla, Brad’s assistant.
“Done And Dusted is an important part of our stable life as a lead pony, and goes to the races as well.”
Whilst Hawkesbury Race Club will sponsor both Poppie Gorton and Brooke Somers, Widdup Racing will have a second Equimillion representative in 21-year-old Jessica Galea.
“Jess also works for us, and we are delighted to sponsor her to compete in two disclipines,” Millisa Widdup said.
“She will ride two horses, March Eight and Owari, which were trained by Brad.
“I bought March Eight (a five-year-old mare by Russian Revolution) online during the COVID period in 2021 from the Gold Coast Magic Millions National yearling sale.
“She had three starts but unfortunately didn’t measure up and was retired.
“Brad won three races with the now five-year-old Owari, and his owner Pip Cooper generously gifted the gelding to us to enable Jess to partner him in the Equimillion.”
Hawkesbury chief executive James Heddo said his club was delighted with the quality of applications received to be sponsored for Equimillion 2024.
“The applicants were all of high quality, and it is clear that there is strong support for Off The Track thoroughbreds in the Hawkesbury region.
“We especially wish Poppie and Brooke all the best on their journey to this year’s competition, and good luck to all the competitors.”
. HOOFNOTE: Sponsorship for each rider costs $1100. This covers the nomination fee ($660 including GST) and competition fee ($440 including GST).
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