Queenslanders primed for National Apprentice Race Series

Racing Queensland has today announced the nine jockeys that will represent the state in this year’s National Apprentice Race Series.
 
The Queensland team is headlined by the inclusions of Baylee Nothdurft and Stephanie Thornton, who currently sit second and fifth respectively in the Metropolitan Jockeys’ Premiership.
 
The pair of rising stars will represent the state at Doomben on March 18, with Nothdurft flying the flag once again at Ladbrokes Park in Melbourne the following Wednesday. 
 
This year’s NARS will again be staged across five rounds, commencing at Ladbrokes Park Elwick in Tasmania on March 4, where Dakota Graham will represent Queensland.
 
The series heads west with Adin Thompson taking the ride at Ascot Racecourse in Perth on March 11, before coming to Doomben on March 18.
 
The apprentice riders trek back to Victoria for the penultimate heat on March 25, with the series finale at Murray Bridge on April 1, where a champion state will be crowned.
 
It has also been confirmed that New Zealand and Singapore-based apprentice jockeys will compete in this year’s NARS for the first time.
 
“The National Apprentice Race Series is a fantastic initiative for young apprentices across the country, and allows some of Queensland’s best up-and-comers to experience various tracks nation-wide,” RQ CEO Brendan Parnell said.
 
“I look forward to following the series and watching our young Queensland hoops compete with the best that the other states have to offer.”
 
Mr Parnell also stated that he was excited to see the participation of New Zealand and Singaporean riders for this year’s series.

“To see two international counterparts be a part of the series confirms its importance for apprentice jockeys, and opens the door for other countries to take part and compete in the future,” he said.    

Each rider will again wear coloured breeches for their state, in conjunction with an advertising campaign across the country announcing ‘The Future Has Arrived.’