Ms Zoe-Lee Cruickshank is born and bred Inverell with a passion for racing that is unsurpassed. Zoey kicks off her Apprenticeship at Gunnedah Racecourse today.Zoe has been at the Inverell Jockey Club for the past seven months. Each day starts at sunrise, six days per week. On average Zoe will ride 12 horses each morning and provide the Trainers with feedback on each horse’s performance following the trackwork session. Inverell Trainers have had great success already in the 2020-2021 racing season and some will see further benefits with Zoe riding trackwork and race days.
“My passion for racing started at a very young age, being a Jockey is all I’ve ever wanted to do. I’m so pleased Bill Perrett has provided me an opportunity to be apprenticed. Bill is an excellent horseman, and with his guidance I look forward to pursuing my goal of having a successful career as a Jockey” – Ms Zoe-Lee Cruickshank.
Zoe will ride Rubel in the Royal Hotel Manilla Benchmark 58 Handicap over 1300 metres. A 6 year old by Bel Esprit. Trainer Mark Stewart has Rubel in good shape, over the last 3 starts she’s finished in the Top 4. Rubel has been racing well and will be among the better chances today.
Bill Perrett has found the Apprenticeship a positive experience. “The Apprenticeship initiative is a great way to help someone get started in the Racing Industry. It’s rewarding to share my racing knowledge and I look forward to watching Zoe evolve into the quality rider I know she can become. We’ve been working hard towards this race day and Rubel’s a great first ride. I know Zoe will progress to race day well as she has plenty of natural ability. Today is all about taking in the atmosphere and enjoying the moment”.
Club Secretary, Karen Fontaine believes it’s a winner. “With full stables at Inverell Racecourse, it’s fantastic to have a fulltime rider at the Club. We’re delighted that Trainer Bill Perrett has engaged Zoe as his apprentice. We’ve watched Zoe progress since arriving in February and she is the ultimate professional. The Inverell Community now have their own local jockey to follow and cheer on, it will only add to the excitement on race days This apprenticeship is evident of the Trainers and Inverell Jockey Clubs ongoing commitment and dedication to growing racing in Inverell.”
Photo Ms Zoe-Lee Cruickshank in the Inverell Jockey Club Colours
Bill Perrett and The Pharoah #racingnsw#inverelljockeyclub#apprenticejockey#thoroughbredracing#countryracing#MsZoeLeeCruickshank
