Wingatui horsewomen Noelle Supple and Emma Anderton will take their racing careers to new heights when they compete in their first official race at Wingatui today.
Both will ride in race 4, a 1600m race restricted to amateur jockeys.
Supple will ride Bet Ya Wood for Wingatui trainer Terry Kennedy and Anderton will partner Manhatten Fire for Balcairn trainers John and Karen Parsons.
Supple, who hails from the United Kingdom, moved to Wingatui in 2015. She holds down a fulltime job away from racing as Dunedin Venues event co-ordinator, based at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
She regularly rides trackwork at Wingatui.
"I have been doing it two or three times a week and just whenever I can fit it in," Supple said.
"I absolutely love it. I think that is what keeps us all going - we are all suckers once we get in this industry."
Supple (26)
competed extensively in pony races in the UK before emigrating to New Zealand.
She also competed in an unofficial race for track riders at Wingatui in 2016.
"I did a lot of pony riding at home when I was younger. And I had a ride in the track riders' race over here, but that is the closest thing I have had in a long time... to riding in a race.
"It will be good to get back out there in a competitive way."
Before Supple started work with Dunedin Venues, she worked for both the Otago Racing Club and for Kennedy. That means she will be very familiar with her mount, Bet Ya Wood.
"Since he joined Terry's stable I have had a bit to do with him and it will be good to have a go on him."
Anderton will attempt to add to the incredible success her family have achieved.
The 20-year-old has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of her father, Shane, grandfather, Brian, and great-grandfather, Hector, in winning a race at Wingatui.
Anderton will ride Manhatten Fire, who has not been tested on the heavy track conditions he is likely to encounter today.
The 3yr-old has a handy record on slow tracks, but failed in his last start at Wingatui in those conditions.
Like Supple, Anderton brings plenty of riding experience to her first race.
She works with her father and grandfather as a track rider at their White Robe Lodge operation.
Anderton has also competed extensively in equestrian events.
Central Districts rider Luke Myers will be out to extend his excellent record in amateur races today.
The 15-year-old has produced three wins from 10 rides.
Myers will combine with Merlot, who is trained by his father, Kevin.
Merlot opened a $2.10 favourite with bookmakers for the race.
Manhatten Fire was rated a $9 chance and Bet Ya Wood opened at $19.
Canterbury rider Meghann Gestain, will also have her first first official race ride in New Zealand when she partners Quaintrelle in the same race.
