Race day: Rose Hammond on the way to the barriers, prior to having her first race ride in a BM58 Handicap at Kyneton racecourse on Monday. Photos: Pat Scala/Racing Photos
Photo by
Pat Scala
Tongala jockey Rose Hammond made her long awaited debut as a jockey in the fifth race at Kyneton on Monday.
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Hammond is attached to Echuca-based horse trainer Gwenda Johnstone through her apprenticeship, with a partnership between Johnstone’s stable and Racing Victoria.
She rode Johnstone’s six-year-old mare, Red Jewels, in a 1200 metre handicap and finished fifth in the field of 11.
Hammond jumped well and took up a position behind the leader on the fence before easing out in the straight to momentarily challenge for a top three finish before the backmarkers swooper to touch out the Johnstone runner.
Red Jewels was a $12 chance in the event and finished less than two lengths off the winner.
Hammond had been working with Johnstone Racing for three years, before going through the process of starting an apprenticeship with Racing Victoria.
Hammond has already faced significant challenges in her quest to become a jockey, suffering serious injuries during an accident in May 2020.
The fall fractured Hammond’s femur in five places, and she was flown to Melbourne for surgery to repair the damage.
To make things worse, as the horse was getting up following the tumble, one of its feet hit Hammond in the face, breaking her nose and giving her a concussion.
Special moment: Rose with Gwenda and Michael Johnstone, who she is apprenticed to through a Racing Victoria program.
Photo by
Pat Scala
All smiles: Rose Hammond rode Gwenda Johnstone trained Red Jewels to fifth place in the 1200 metre handicap at Kyneton after looming on the turn to finish in the top three.
Photo by
Pat Scala
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