First stop Randwick for globe-trotting jockey Rachel King

Posted by RS NewsWire at 8:07pm on October 24th

Riding at major carnivals around the globe is becoming second nature for top Sydney-based jockey Rachel King, who will have seven mounts on the Spring Champion Stakes program at Randwick before jetting off for a history-making appearance at the Breeders’ Cup in America.

King will become the first Australian resident to participate in one of world racing’s pre-eminent events when she partners Satono Carnaval for Japanese trainer Noriyuki Hori in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (1600m) at Del Mar on November 1.

“I’m very excited to go over there and on a horse that is a good chance as well,” King said.

“Mr Hori has travelled a number of horses over the years and been very successful. His strikerate is unbelievable when he travels them. He trained Maurice and Real Impact, horses like that.

“He knows what he is doing and he doesn’t travel them unless they’re proper winning chances.”

The Breeders’ Cup opportunity presented following King’s stint in Japan earlier this year and has been part of a momentous year for the British-born hoop, who has also squeezed in her UK wedding to partner Luke Hilton, her first ride at Royal Ascot and another trip to her homeland to compete in the Shergar Cup.

“Since I got married, I haven’t been able to change my name legally because I haven’t been home long enough to change my passport,” King quipped.

And she isn’t planning on slowing down any time soon.

King will travel to Hong Kong in December for the International Jockeys’ Challenge before taking up another two-month stint in Japan over the Australian summer.

But her immediate focus is on Saturday at Randwick where her mounts include former European mare Queues Likely in the $2 million The Invitation (1400m) and the consistent Iknowastar in the Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m), both for trainer Bjorn Baker.

A Group 3 winner over a mile in Germany, Queues Likely has impressed King since her arrival.

“I think she is going well enough to run a nice race,” she said.

“We will find out a bit more about her on Saturday, but I’m keen on her. There is plenty of improvement and progression there for sure.

“But so far, she is really straightforward. She has just fitted in, she’s got a great attitude and that always helps because sometimes the Europeans can take a bit of time to settle in.

“Her trials and work at home have been super, I can’t fault her.”

She is also looking forward to renewing her acquaintance with Iknowastar following his first-up fifth in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m).

“He wasn’t the quickest out but he did his usual and was quick to muster,” King said of his fresh performance.

“He probably lost a good two-lengths doing that at the gates and he hasn’t been beaten that far, so it was a good, sound effort.

“He always improves a little bit off his first-up run. We call him Mr Reliable, he doesn’t run a bad race.”

King will fly to Japan on Sunday ahead of the Breeders’ Cup meeting next Friday before returning direct to Melbourne to ride at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.

More Racing News

Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks

A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...

Today

Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown

The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...

Today

Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge

A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...

Today

Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes

Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...

Today

Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry

Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...

Yesterday

Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws

Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...

Yesterday

Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result

Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...

Yesterday

Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence

Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...

Yesterday

Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win

Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...

Yesterday

Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent

While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...

Yesterday