Born to Race

BY DAVID HOUSTON

The racing industry is always looking for new blood - young blood that has the passion and drive to be involved and make a difference.

Jarrad Noske is one who was born to racing and took up the challenge at age 14. Having always had a pony, riding a racehorse was never a problem. Born and raised in Perth from an all-jockey family, Jarrad left school in year 10 to become apprenticed to his mother Jodie and had his first race ride in 2007 aged 15 at Northam over 2200m running third. “Just as well I was young and fit because it was a long way around.”

Through trainer Danny Morton, Jarrad received a massive opportunity to join Champion Trainer Peter Moody in Melbourne after winning an apprentices race at Moonee Valley. It was a big step to be riding in Melbourne and a massive learning experience. A broken wrist after two months curtailed what could have been a defining period in Jarrad’s career, but was still time enough to do something only a couple of other jockeys got to do and that was ride the mighty Black Caviar in a race.

Even more special and this is a great trivia question. Who rode Black Caviar to victory in her first two race starts? The answer is of course Jarrad Noske.

“To be able to win on her was like winning a Group One”. Well, I thought over here in Melbourne they all went like that although he had never seen a two-year-old as big and forward. He appreciates the experience of riding her even more now he is older. While in the East, Jarrad rode at all Victorian city tracks as well as Sydney and Adelaide. Moods had the confidence to send him everywhere.

Back to Perth because of his injury, Jarrad finished his apprenticeship after three years at age 18. His career in WA continued to blossom. He is a regular big race rider with winning highlights being two Perth Cups and for his trainer father Jeff, a Bunbury Cup. Watching with his family while sister Jerry won the Kalgoorlie Cup is also a standout.

Ascot is the track he loves most where he says “you can win from anywhere” and his favourite horse is Rock Magic on whom Jarrad has won seven stakes races. The Gangemis have been great supporters of his.

The Magic Millions feature races in WA are a very happy hunting ground for young Noske, having won four so far. Two for the Pearce brothers (Let it Slip and Enchanted Dream in the 3YO) and one each for Danny Morton (Camporella in the 2YO) and Darren McAuliffe (Express Service in the 3YO) and of course the search goes on for the next potential high-class juvenile.

Like anybody in the workforce, time away is vitally important and Jarrad has other interests. Being something of a thrill seeker the polite young man has a passion for motorbikes having already owned two Harleys. And lately for no good reason, particularly not a sensible one, he has gotten a bug for rodeo. He has had lessons at a day school and ridden in the saddle bronc event and wants to do more of it. I’m not sure it is a great mix for jockeying, but fun all the same.

Winning a Group One is still the main aim but battling weight makes it tough, particularly if you want to win premierships, but the competitive spirit is very much alive - his sister Jerry is one who definitely gets no favours in the heat of battle. His days are typically track work, boxing and a sweat on racedays. And for those looking for a new diet try Jarrad’s, where he has fruit in the morning, does his exercise on an empty stomach and has fish and green vegetables at night.

The advent of the modern day lightweight saddles has been a great help to jockeys and Jarrad is a fan. “They take a little time getting used to but you really feel a part of the horse as opposed to riding in the big bulky saddles of the past.” But the new whip rules have been expensive especially for someone known for his vigour and strength in a finish. However, he says they have helped to make him ride with more patience. Get them around the corner, balanced and then ride hard for home.

Being a jockey comes with its ups and down and Jarrad has been lucky with his list of injuries including a broken wrist and fractured vertebra. And while there is always lots to think about pre-race you can make a mistake - Jarrad admits to mounting the wrong horse one day at Belmont.

Again away from racing, cattle farming is an interest. Long-term he hopes to set up a cattle property so the winners need to keep flowing. “I’ve even run a few calves in the backyard as you’ve got to start somewhere.” He likes to study form, follows breeding and a position in the bloodstock industry would not be out of the question and even becoming a trainer later on.

A good holiday this winter in Broome away from race riding has seen Jarrad back and refreshed as he continues his successful career as one of Western Australia’s bright young stars in the saddle.

Best of luck and ride fast Jarrad!