Emma Pritchard

A year ago, she sustained critical injuries in a serious race fall that changed her life forever, but on July 12, Grafton girl and former apprentice jockey Leah Kilner returned to her home town as the stable representative for Queensland trainer Robert Heathcote and won the prestigious 2023 Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) Ramornie Handicap with seasoned sprinter, and a horse she previously shared plenty of success with on the track, The Big Goodbye.

“To come back here, where I grew up, and where I almost died to win the Ramornie, it’s a big feat, and I couldn’t be happier for everyone involved with this horse,” she said with tears in her eyes.

“It’s a very special day, and it’s also very emotional.

“This is a race that I always wanted to win.

“I always thought I’d be the one on his back, but it doesn’t matter, this is the next best thing.”

After beginning his racing career in South Australia under the care of Richard and Chantelle Jolly, The Big Goodbye joined the Heathcote stable two years ago and has been in career best form this preparation, coming into the Ramornie off the back of a Group 3 placing in the Eureka Stud W.J. Healy Stakes over 1200m at Eagle Farm last month.

Jumping brilliantly from barrier 10 for jockey Martin Harley, the five-year-old son of Host (CHI) quickly raced to the front of the 16-horse field, settling on the speed alongside early leader and last year’s winner Ranges before powering to the line to deny the fast finishing All Too Easy by a short head.

Ranges fought on bravely to run third.

As she was warmly embraced by The Big Goodbye’s large and jubilant group of owners, affectionately dubbed the Queensland Rogues, Kilner smiled with pride as she raised the trophy high into the air while the crowd, including her father, Grafton trainer Greg Kilner, proudly watched and applauded loudly.

“He (The Big Goodbye) is the best horse I’ve ever ridden,” Kilner declared.

“When he hit the front, I said ‘geez, they’re going to have to be good to get past him, he’s the toughest horse.

“Rob’s a fantastic trainer, and this is a big credit to him and the team at home who do an amazing job with this horse.”

A $52500 purchase from the 2019 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale, The Big Goodbye has raced 32 times for 10 wins and 15 minor placings.

His Ramornie success took his career earnings to over $500000.