FORMER Macksville High Student Jace McMurray has had an unbelievable first year of racing.
The apprentice jockey who started his career at the Coffs Harbour-based Jim Jarvis stables has won the 24/25 Queensland provincial apprentice jockey premiership, to go along with the 24/25 Gold Coast apprentice and jockey premierships.
The 19-year-old finished his first 12 months of racing with an amazing 96 winners.
Jace left home at age 15 to work at Jim Jarvis’ stables in Coffs Harbour, living on his trainer’s farm at Coramba.
He then moved to the Gold Coast at the age of 16 to join Adam Campton’s stable to further his development.
The young jockey rode his first winner in March 2024, triumphing in the Laidley Cup on Avenue of Stars in just the third ride of his career.
He continued his good form, winning the Gatton Cup and Gatton Lightning double a few months later.
Jace quickly outrode his country claim, with a double at the Gold Coast taking him to 80 winners in 10 months.
Night racing commenced on the Gold Coast for the first time in October 2024 with Jace riding the city’s first two winners under lights.
With four months of the 24/25 racing season remaining, he was offered an amazing opportunity to move to Sydney and join the Michael Freedman stables at Randwick, where he quickly rode his first metropolitan city winner at Rosehill.
This year he was selected to Queensland’s National Apprentice Race Series team, and rode at Murray Bridge, South Australia in April ,where he finished second in the apprentice race.
He is currently back in Queensland for the Spring Carnival as part of Michael Freedman’s satellite stable.
McMurray currently sits second in the Queensland Metropolitan apprentice premiership standings with 11 wins.
By Aiden BURGESS
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