Just six days ago Julia Presits was sporting racing silks and competing at Inverell where she had four rides for a second on Cheeky Nugget.
On Sunday at Muswellbrook, Julia swaps the silks for a strapper’s bib where she is represented by her first runners as a trainer.
Former rider Julia Presits after winning on Walkin’talkin’ at Warwick Farm. Image by Bradley Photographers
“I used to train horses back in Sweden; I think I had 17 winners so it was something I loved,” Julia explained.
“I always wanted to train in Australia and my plan was to race ride just to get the experience on that side and then return to training.
“I was lucky enough to get a couple of winners in the city on Walkin’talkin’ – the win at Warwick Farm was my highlight.”
With just three horses in her stable, Julia will be presenting 66% of her horses at the meeting.
Hemsted ($21 on TAB) will run in the Walker Development Industries Benchmark 66 Handicap (1500m) and Shalukey ($51) in the Muswellbrook Motors 2yo Maiden Handicap (1000m).
Ironically, the only other runner in her stable is Cheeky Nugget on whom she was aboard in her last race ride.
“Hemsted was trapped wide the other day and his run was good. He can jump well but drifts back in the field which leaves him plenty to do.
“Shalukey has only had the one start at Scone in January. He has plenty of speed but is a big baby, but in saying that, he has matured quite a bit over the past few months and should run well although he’s drawn wide.”
Julia moved to Muswellbrook six months ago to set up camp with her partner, Leandro Ribeiro, the leading NSW picnic jockey.
“We were in the right place at the right time in January when we purchased our stables at Muswellbrook,” Julia said.
“We have 34 boxes so there is plenty of room to expand – we are really looking forward to what comes next, hopefully heaps of winners!”
Presits finished her career with 75 winners including metropolitan victories aboard Walkin’talkin’ at Warwick Farm and Canterbury Park.
She also won four races – including the Muswellbrook Jerrys Plains Cup and Merriwa Cup in April – on Hemsted who is part-owned by Ribeiro and Julia’s Dad, Tommy.
General Manager of Muswellbrook Race Club, Christine Williams, said: “Sunday’s Muswellbrook race meeting marks the 30th anniversary of Bengalla Cup Day (Bengalla is a nearby mine).
“The day includes kids’ entertainment with face painting, a jumping castle, physic medium, live music and virtual reality glasses.
“We will also have a couple of mini dump trucks – they’re ride-on mowers made to look like dump trucks and excavators!”
– Racing NSW
