The first leg of the 2024 Montgomerie/Forrest Apprentice Series gets underway at Strathalbyn tomorrow.
The four-heat series is named in honour of Simone Montgomerie and Caitlin Forrest – two talented, young South Australian jockeys who tragically lost their lives in race falls.
"Both girls and their families were very much part of the Strathalbyn community and we've created a perpetual trophy that will stay at the racing club," said Racing SA Jockey Coach Dean Pettit.
"The idea is that the trophy will be displayed in the members bar and each year the winner's names will be added, and it's something that the riders are very proud to be a part of."
Last year's series went down to the wire with Caitlin Tootell and Nichola Yuen sharing the prize.
"Our apprentices see it as an honour to ride in the race and the trophy was presented by Simone's daughter Kodah Young last year who's a talented young equestrian rider.
"We have put on a lunch for family members these past couple of years and hope that they've felt a part of the series," said Dean.
October will mark 10 years since Caitlin's passing.
Date | Venue | Prizemoney | Class | Distance |
Wed, 25 September | Strathalbyn | $25,000 | Benchmark 56 | 1350m |
Wed, 23 October | Strathalbyn | $25,000 | Benchmark 58 | 1200m |
Sun, 24 November | Strathalbyn | $25,000 | Rating 0-58 | 1600m |
Wed, 11 December | Strathalbyn | $25,000 | Rating 0-58 | 1350m |