YOUNG JOCKEY'S FIRST DOUBLE
- John Curtis
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
And the milestone moment in the 18-year-old’s brief career at Bathurst yesterday carried extra significance as both winners were for her master, leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup.
Gorton began riding only three months ago, and her first winner (also for Widdup) was a leg of her inaugural double.
She was successful on Forcefilly at Goulburn on September 12, and the mare, along with stablemate Don’t’callmekathy, provided the young jockey with a memorable day.
Gorton won the opener, the Maiden Plate (1000m) on $3.50 joint favorite Don’tcallmekathy, and two races later the F&M Class 1 Handicap (1200m) on $8.50 chance Forcefilly.
The Bathurst meeting was the first occasion Gorton has had more than two rides at a single fixture – and she made the most of her opportunities from her three bookings.
“It was a good result for Poppie, who now has only two more wins before losing her 4kg allowance,” Widdup said today.
“Obviously she has more to learn, but is gaining valuable experience at these country meetings.”’
Gorton’s victories on Don’tcallmekathy and Forcefilly were at her 11th and 13th rides after beginning her career with two mounts (she finished fourth on Widdup’s Party Doll and third on fellow Hawkesbury trainer Kevin May’s Emelia’s Magic) at Bathurst on July 21.
Don’tcallmekathy is a four-year-old daughter of 2018 Rosehill Guineas winner D’Argento, and fetched $90,000 at the 2023 Inglis Classic yearling sale.
She races in the same Mulberry colours as Mike Gregg’s The Everest representative Jedibeel, and is named after his daughter Katherine, who also figures in the ownership.
Don’tcallmekathy broke through at her sixth start after beginning her career at Newcastle in January.
Forcefilly, a four-year-old daughter of Invader, began her career in Queensland and races in the BK Racing & Breeding Pty Ltd colours.
After four starts for a minor placing at Gatton, she was transferred to Widdup, who has now won two races with her from a further four runs.
Widdup’s double took him to 430 career wins, including 12 so far this season.
Gorton, meanwhile, is likely to ride next at the Mudgee meeting on Saturday.
