In exciting news for the Weeding Racing team, talented horsewoman Cassidy Hill is one step closer to becoming a jockey after being accepted into Racing Victoria’s Apprentice Jockey Squad (AJS), which runs under their Apprentice Jockey Training Program (AJTP).

Indentured to Craig Weeding in Wangaratta, Cassidy and 11 other burgeoning jockeys graduated from the Rider Development Squad (RDS) and will join the pre-apprenticeship program, which focuses on riders who have demonstrated the potential to progress to race riding within the next 12 months.

The 20-year-old, who hopes to be race-riding in 2025, was ecstatic when they announced the news last week.

“It’s been a long process, but it was a great feeling to be accepted, knowing I have achieved something special,” Cassidy said.

“I had to go down to Flemington every couple of months for squad days, and they chucked us on the mechanical horse, did fitness testing, and hosted sessions with nutritionists, which was good, as it showed what Racing Victoria was all about and what we were going to be doing.

Born and bred in Wangaratta, Cassidy isn’t from a racing family but has always had a special affinity with horses.

“There was never really racing in my family, but it was always a career in the back of my mind,” Cassidy said.

“I love horses, and it is something I wanted to do for a career. I got into it a couple of years ago, and I’m a good size for a jockey.

“I was initially with Renee and Matt Hoysted, and then I slowly started working more and more for Craig and eventually moved here.

“I started at the bottom and did boxes and all those jobs, and then I started hopping on a couple until I got stronger, in better condition, and more confident.”

Cassidy is getting plenty of experience at Wangaratta, riding work for other trainers in the morning before finishing her days on Craig’s horses, both on course and at the farm.

The hard-working future jockey is also busy on the ground, swimming horses, doing boxes, and attending race days.

With a bright future ahead, Cassidy will continue working hard for the stable while being guided by apprentice jockey coaches Darren Gauci and Alf Matthews.

Words: Jeff Hanson
Image: Weeding Racing