Jett set to take flight at jockey club

A RISING star of the racetrack is turning heads with her early success and will return to Ballina Jockey Club for the start of its autumn racing calendar.

Murwillumbah jockey Jett Newman had the rare distinction of winning four races out of five on her debut trip to Ballina in February.

It came after a maiden win at Murwillumbah and she has since won or placed in more than 10 races.

The teenage apprentice has linked up with leading Northern Rivers trainer Matt Dunn and will be one to watch at the Ballina meeting on Monday, March 31.

“She was pretty incredible to watch last time,” Ballina Jockey Club general manager Matthew Bertram said.

“Ballina isn’t the easiest track to ride; she looks destined to have plenty of success.

“All four wins were different kind of rides, too; she’s in safe hands with Matt Dunn and his team at Murwillumbah.

The 17-year-old has gone on to have wins at Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Port Macquarie.

She only started riding properly this year after two years as a track work rider at Hawkesbury.

“Female jockeys are on the rise, and we have a lot of talent coming through the Northern Rivers,” Bertram said.

“The best jockeys are willing to travel and will win away from home, which she has already done.”

Ballina Jockey Club has come off a successful summer after its Boxing Day races and Summer Cup.

Bertram said a new partnership with the Ballina RSL Club has helped enhance the cup day experience.

He plans to extend it over the next few years with the club hosting the popular Calcutta night and having naming rights for the feature race.

The racing club lost one meeting recently due to heavy rain and winds associated with Ex-Tropical Cycle Alfred.

“We lost part of the stewards’ roof and there was some damage on the rail,” Bertram said.

“It was already identified as a safety issue and Racing NSW is going to help us replace that.

“It will save us about $100,000, so we’re grateful for that.

The public is encouraged to dress up for the coming race day, with prizes for best-dressed.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate, with another TAB meeting set down for Ballina on Tuesday, April 8.