During seven years at Racing SA, Apprentice Academy Manager Briony Moore has helped guide the careers of countless young jockeys and developed an Academy that is regarded among the best in the country.
Known for her professionalism and unwavering support for the apprentices on and off the track, saying goodbye to start a new job with Racing Queensland has been one of the hardest things she’s had to do.
“I feel I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t make the most of my opportunities when they come my way when I tell the apprentices to do it all the time,” said Briony.
“There’s no right time to do anything but it’s been particularly hard knowing that we’ve reached a point where I can honestly say we’ve never had the apprentices competing at such a high level across the board.
“I just think the way that we can get an apprentice to the track now has been the biggest achievement. We’ve always had our standout riders but to have them all racing competitively makes me very proud.
“Most of our apprentices tend to have a winner within their first 10 rides which means when an opportunity arises, they have enough ability to make the most of it – it’s not random and they’re getting rides from really good trainers early on.
“So just to know that we’ve put in that time and helped nurture them to reach such a point has been rewarding. And it’s one of those things when they are riding winners, they have self-confidence which gives them a greater chance of getting the most out of their career,” she said.
Briony’s new job at Racing Queensland is Apprentice and Workforce Development Manager.
Initially she’ll commute from South Australia – with children Cameron, 16, and Ava, 13, continuing their schooling in Adelaide.
“It is really exciting to take on a newly created role like this. I’m going from 27 apprentices at our peak in SA to 60 in Queensland, and I’m fully committed and really looking forward to the challenge.
“Racing Queensland is eager to enhance support and systems for apprentices. While there is currently coaching and mentoring in place, the aim will be to implement a more comprehensive, holistic approach to ensure riders not only sustain their careers as jockeys but also reach their highest potential,” said Briony.
The tight bond she’s developed with the current group of SA apprentices has made it difficult to leave.
Along with helping them navigate life off the track, Briony has led the group to four National Apprentice Race Series titles during her time in charge – an indication of the high standards the Racing SA Academy has set.
“I always knew that would be the one thing that would get me emotionally having to say goodbye to the apprentices.
“You see them at their highest, and you also see them at their lowest and you know you’re always there as that support any time they need that extra bit of help,” said Briony.
“Specifically in my role they come to me when they’ve potentially got a life problem or they need some type of support and it might not necessarily involve racing or on the track stuff.
“It has also been hard knowing that we have this new Apprentice Academy training facility close to completion, and for the past seven years we’ve had to stick it out in our transportable buildings where we literally had the paint out to try and fancy it up.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be involved from inception designing the new building, the gym, and all the aesthetics so I’ve been able to put my stamp on it and it’s now there for the next person to make it their own.
“I hope the apprentices know how lucky they are to have the support of Racing SA. The current board and CEO have been instrumental in the success of the Academy and are people that really want to support and help our apprentices to get the best out of themselves,” she said.
The search is now on for a new talent manager to take the reins from Briony and build on the world class platform she’s left behind.
“Briony is so passionate about the industry and that has been evident in the success she has delivered with the South Australian Apprentice Academy,” said Racing SA CEO Vaughn Lynch.
“As a former jockey, Briony understands how best to support the apprentices in a wide range of situations and she is held in high regard across the industry.
“Briony’s leaving big shoes to fill, and we are hopeful the position and organisation will attract someone with the same passion and care who can continue to support the world renowned South Australian Apprentice Academy,” he said.
Briony’s last day at Racing SA is June 21.
