Racing SA has appointed Ruby Mayers as the new Apprentice Academy Talent Manager.
The former apprentice jockey has been working for South Australia’s leading stable Richard and Chantelle Jolly Racing for the past three years.
“I’m looking forward to stepping into this exciting and diverse role and strengthening my relationships with Racing SA, the apprentices and all industry participants,” said Ruby.
“I have played a key role for Richard and Chantelle Jolly managing a large portion of their accounts, communications, and social media. I found a real niche in this administration role, and when the position of Apprentice Academy Talent Manager came up it was an opportunity I just couldn’t let get away without throwing my hat in the ring.
“Growing up and competing in various horse sports, it was a natural progression to pursue a career in the saddle.
“I had one of the best starts to my career in race riding but as a 17-year-old struggled with the pressure at times. I have remained in the industry and worked for a number of stables which has helped me get to where I am now,” she said.
Ruby was apprenticed to John Macmillan in 2014 and had over 100 starts including a memorable day at Penong when she won the Cup and almost made it a clean sweep of the five-race card riding four winners.
She takes the reins from Briony Moore who was recruited by Racing Queensland as Apprentice and Workforce Development Manager.
“As soon as we started talking to Ruby you could just see how passionate she is about the Academy, and was glowing when she spoke about her vision,” said Racing SA’s General Manager Operations Nick Bawden
“I think it’s going to be a seamless fit. Ruby has lived the life of an apprentice, knows the industry inside out and wants the apprentices to succeed and be the best person and riders that they can possibly be.
“She’s already been doing some mentoring work with Polly (Brewster) and is known as a really hard worker. Richard and Chantelle are understandably very disappointed to lose her but they know this is an opportunity she’ll be great at and will very much benefit the Academy,” said Nick.
Ruby officially starts as Talent Manager on Monday, July 22nd which coincides with the move to the new Racing SA Apprentice Academy Facility in Somerton Park.
“It’s a really exciting time for the Apprentice Academy with the new state of the art facility close to opening,” said Nick.
“Briony’s offered some handover time and is going to talk Ruby through some of the processes which will help with the transition.
“Our jockey coach Dean Pettit will also be a great support for Ruby as she settles into the role and has been fantastic carrying the load in Briony’s absence. We expect the new apprentice facility will be up and running early in the new racing season,” he said.
