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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-09-04 Daily Xml
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Thoroughbred Racing

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:42): My question is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Will the minister inform the council of the future of thoroughbred racing talent in South Australia?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:42): I thank the honourable member for his question and interest in the thoroughbred racing industry. Last month, I had the privilege of attending the Racing SA Apprentice Academy induction ceremony at Somerton Park. It was a truly inspiring event that showcased the depth and talent and dedication in South Australian racing.

The Apprentice Academy has been a cornerstone of our racing industry since its establishment in 1984, and it is widely regarded as one of the most successful apprentice jockey programs in the country. It plays a particularly important role in developing apprentices, providing them with the skills, resilience and the professional grounding they need to thrive in a highly competitive sport.

The academy exists not just to teach technical riding skills but also to develop well-rounded professionals who can meet the demands of racing both on and off the track. Apprentices are paired with master trainers and attend classroom sessions and take part in practical training programs that combine fitness and industry knowledge.

In 2024, Racing SA invested in significant upgrades of the programs and moved their academy into a brand-new, purpose-built facility in Somerton Park. The new site includes mechanical horses and fitness gym, modern classroom technology and advanced training tools designed to prepare apprentices for every aspect of their careers. It is a world-class environment that matches the ambition of the young people who train there.

At the ceremony, we welcomed three exceptional young riders into the program: Ashlee Stone, Jemma Gutte and Stephy Wright. Each of these inductees brings unique strengths: Ashlee's commitment to education and breaking in young horses, Jemma's lifelong passion for the racing industry, and Stephy's resilience in relocating from the Northern Territory to pursue her career here in South Australia.

The event was also a reminder of the incredible work done by the trainers, mentors and Racing SA staff who guide our apprentices. Thank you to Nick Bawden, CEO of Racing SA; Ruby Kenny; and trailblazer Clare Lindop. Their dedication, encouragement and high standards help shape the careers of these young athletes, ensuring they compete not only at a local level but on the national and international stage.

The Apprentice Academy is about more than producing great jockeys, it is about building a strong future for our racing industry. It ensures that the skills, traditions and values of racing are passed on to the next generation while also embracing modern training techniques and safety standards. With mentors like Clare, Ruby and Dean and the broader Racing SA community, I am looking forward to seeing where their journeys go both on and off the track.

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