Rachel King has certainly been putting in the miles this season, with her packed travel schedule showing no signs of slowing down.
The UK-born jockey made headlines during her stint in Japan over summer, where she became the first female rider to claim a Grade 1 race in the country, partnering Costa Nova to victory in the February Stakes at Tokyo.
More recently, she’s been juggling duties between Sydney and Brisbane, flying north each weekend to compete in the Queensland winter carnival, including a Listed win at Eagle Farm aboard The Inflictor for trainer Craig Cousins.
“I have been up there most weeks during the carnival,” King said.
“It has felt like a long carnival going up and down every week but I had a couple of winners throughout. It was mixed results this year but it can be like that.
“It was great to get one for Craig Cousins last Saturday as he only has one or two in work.”
This Saturday, King will be back riding at Rosehill with a strong book of eight rides, including a pair of mounts for Godolphin’s James Cummings.
One of her top hopes is the resuming Tarpaulin in the 50 Year and Life Member Handicap (1100m), a gelding who won two in Sydney last winter and placed fourth in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m).
“For them to be aiming up in those kind of races last preparation shows that he showed them something at home,” King said.
“I always look forward to riding for the Godolphin team. He has taken a step down in grade a little bit to hopefully get a nice bit of confidence.”
She also reunites with Contemporary in the Listed Winter Stakes (1400m), a horse with solid Rosehill form and recent placings to his name.
“It has been a while since I’ve ridden him and he has been mixing his form, but he ran really well a couple of runs back so if he can bounce back to that, he can run well again,” she said.
Unlike some of her peers, King won’t be taking a winter break. She’s due to return to Japan for a four-week stint before heading home ahead of the spring carnival, with eyes set on Sydney Cup hero Arapaho.
“I go back to Japan in about two weeks for another month and I will be back before any of those good races start at the end of August,” she said.
“I am always happy for Arapaho to be back, especially after his super prep last prep. I can never go past him.”
To bet on the Winter Stakes and follow Rachel King’s rides, visit Australia’s top bookmakers at justhorseracing.com.au.