Racing: Newman strikes gold on debut

Kerikeri apprentice jockey Tegan Newman scored a debut win at the Matamata Breeders' Stakes Premier meeting. Photo/Supplied

Kerikeri's Tegan Newman couldn't have asked for a better start to her career as a jockey.

The 21-year-old apprentice jockey took out the New World Matamata 1400 on Massofdash at the Matamata Breeders' Stakes Premier meet.

Newman said while the nerves hit her just before she took off, it was an experience she would never forget.

"I had a good adrenaline going a couple of races before my race but once the horses got into the bird cage area for the jockeys to mount, the nerves did start hitting me. It was a good feeling though," she said.

"The race was good, I got into the perfect position early and Massofdash relaxed straight away.

"The boss (former leading jockey Jim Collett) didn't want me to be too handy in the field, so sitting three back and one off the rail was the ideal spot for my horse.

"I could hear my name being screamed by quite a few people so it felt amazing, legs were like jelly afterwards from the excitement."

She couldn't have picked a better meeting to announce herself with it being the biggest race day in Matamata.

Newman was aided by riding a successful horse. Massofdash, a five-year-old mare, has won four of her 22 races and made a touch under $75,000 in prize money.

While Massofdash isn't a regular for Newman, she knew what she was getting into.

"I ride her the odd time in track work and I have had a couple of gallops on her so I know her reasonably well," she said.

"I also have done two trials on her previously so I knew what I had to be careful of."

Newman's parents made the trip down for her debut, making it a special day for the family.

"It was really nice to know my parents were in the stand watching the first win, they are non-racey people so it was all new to them," she said.

"I'm so lucky to have got off to such a start. No matter what else I do in my career, that race will always be a highlight."

To cap off a memorable day, Newman was awarded the ride of the day accolade which earned her a Zilco raceday saddle, mountings and whip, donated annually by Matamata and Christchurch racing identities who gather at the marquee event.

"It's not all glitz and glam as a jockey however. Newman said early mornings are the norm, though she at least doesn't have to worry about her diet too much.

"For me, it's getting up at 3.30am to start work at 4.15am," she said.

"The work involves a lot of track work and training, going to trials or race days and all the little things in between that isn't that glamorous.

"My height is 160cm and I weigh 50kg so at least I have it pretty easy being able to eat what I like."

Newman wasn't always a budding jockey though. She was a champion showjumper, winning the 2012 Show Jumping Pony of the Year and the Horse of the Year show.

But now she's firmly focused on being a jockey. She isn't sure what her next step is, but Newman knows who she looks up to.

"It would have to be Samantha Collett," she said.

"She's helped out a lot and is always giving me advice. She's a very down to earth jockey and always in a good head space going into a race."

"As for my next step, Jim will decide when my next race day is and I will go from there."