They’re just folk in the racing industry

By Lachlan Ellis

A former female jockey is trying to get her horse a spot in the world’s richest mile race, with horses selected by public vote – and voting could net you $250,000.

Kassie Furness grew up in Ballan but now owns a stable in Bendigo, where she met her husband, horse trainer Josh Julius.

The couple own stakes in a 5-year-old gelding named Just Folk, which is on the cusp of selection in The All-Star Mile – a race where only 15 competitors are chosen by public vote.

The All-Star Mile will be held on 19 March at Flemington Racecourse, with voting for the competitors closing this Sunday, 13 February.

At the time of writing, Just Folk sits 17^th (1050 votes) – around 100 votes shy of the qualifying 15th position, with the Melbourne Cup 2021 winner Verry Elleegant leading the field on over 8600 votes.

Ms Furness said just being on a list next to famous trainers such as Chris Waller and Mick Price was an honour.

“I’ve been involved with horses for almost ten years now. When I was young, I was into horses, but gave it up and started studying business, and working at a bar. I needed a bit of extra money and started working as a stable hand…and the rest was history,” she told the Moorabool News.

“My partner, Josh, is training a small team of 24 horses. We’ve quite literally started from the bottom. To be involved with such a calibre of horses, and even contemplate getting into such a prestigious race as the All-Star Mile is such a thrill for us.

“We’re just enjoying the ride, and we’re just so humbled to even be experiencing something like this for us, it’s huge. Just to play with the big boys, and for Josh to be mixing with the best of the best, is just amazing…we’re so grateful.”

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-02-08/10

in the 8 February 2022 edition
OR
pick up a paper around your town.