Reynolds' whirlwind debut week in the saddle

Apprentice jockey Chelsey Reynolds has been overwhelmed with messages of support after the brilliant start to her riding career.

After winning her first ever race, she backed up six days later to take the spoils in the Roxby Downs Cup. The trip there was her first ever small plane flight, and she got the win using Rochelle Milnes’ saddle.

“I’m still in shock that it all happened to be honest. It was just amazing, unbelievable really,” exclaimed Chelsey.

“At Roxby I went the wrong way with the horse going to the barriers, then I dropped my whip at the barriers and I was like oh this is a great start. But she (Aussie Sojourn) was amazing. She was such a quiet, lovely ride.

“I went the wrong way with the airport too. I didn’t know where we were meant to go but they also forgot my saddle, and I’m a pretty organised person so that was a big stress for me.

“But the girls were so lovely and helpful, and were amazing, they really made the day and I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.

“All the jockeys have been really, really amazing. I think they can see I’m so nervous so they’ve been really good.”

If you told Chelsey a year ago she’d be riding winners she wouldn’t have believed you.

The lightly travelled 28-year-old, who won first up on The Great Baby at Balaklava, used to work on the horse tram from Victor Harbor to Granite Island. When she first lobbed at Finniss Lodge, Wayne Francis and Glen Kent had no idea Chelsey could ride.

“I’ve had my little first pony since I was eight and then did normal trial riding and stuff, and then my other job closed down and that’s when I found Finniss to fill in the spot but I wasn’t meant to stay there. And Glen found out I could ride and it escalated from there,” she said.

Chelsey’s always had a natural affinity with horses.

She progressed through the Racing SA Trackwork Riding Skills Course and joined the Apprentice Academy in December.

“Once I’m on the horse I’m fine, it’s the pre-stuff when you’re weighing-in in the jockey room, but the girls have been amazing and so have all the staff.

“I’ve always been good with animals I think, horses and any others I feel like I always get a good feel for them.

“I’m still trying to figure out the race day routine and I can’t wait until I feel 100 percent confident getting everything ready.

“It’s been crazy, so crazy. I’ve got so many messages it’s been a real eye opener,” she said.