Emma Pritchard
Rachel King wrote her name in the record books at the Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC) on July 14 when she became the first female jockey to win the premier staying event of the year, the 2022 Southside Pharmacy Grafton Cup over 2350m onboard the Bjorn Baker trained former French galloper Arapaho (FR).
After beginning her riding career in Great Britain, King travelled to Australia and completed her apprenticeship with leading Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse while on her way to becoming one of the country’s premier hoops.
As she confessed to not knowing she was the first female jockey to win the race, King said the victory was “right up there” alongside her first Group 1 winner Maid Of Heaven in 2018.
Describing Arapaho (FR) as an amazing horse, King said the five-year-old son of Lope De Vega (IRE) was bolting at the half-mile, and her confidence in his ability and fitness enabled her to “push the button” earlier than planned when she sent Arapaho (FR) to the front as the field entered the home straight.
The talented gelding surged ahead to win the 2022 Southside Pharmacy Grafton Cup by two and a half lengths from a gallant Rebel Rama.
Race favourite Dr Drill (GB) finished third.
“He just gave me such a good feeling,” she said following the race.
“Full credit to Bjorn and his team, they’ve done a great job with this horse.”
Stable representative for the winning trainer Glen Lobb praised King for her excellent ride and said Arapaho (FR) had proved himself to be a handy horse on top of the ground after many had suspected the galloper of being a wet track specialist.
“We were a bit worried about the track being a Soft 5, almost a Good 4,” he confessed, adding Arapaho (FR) had previously demonstrated superior form on a Heavy 8 at Rosehill and on a Soft 6 racing surface.
“But Rachel rode him a treat, and the horse went super.”
The 2022 Southside Pharmacy Grafton Cup was the imported gallopers second win since arriving in Australia two years ago as a tried racehorse.
Following the race, Michael Troy from Southside Pharmacy congratulated the winning connections and said he was honoured to have the local business sponsor the race this year.