ANOTHER COUNTRY APPRENTICE MOVES TO NEWCASTLE

COUNTRY apprentice Shannen Llewellyn is a new addition to the provincial riding ranks.

Llewellyn, previously with Jane Clement at Bendemeer, has transferred to Nathan Doyle at Newcastle on a three months’ loan basis.

“Shannen can claim 3kg at both the provincials and in town,” Doyle’s racing manager David Dyson said this morning.

“She may have her first ride for us at Gosford next Thursday if Nathan decides to run Aroha Stone in a Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m) against her own sex.”

Aroha Stone was edged out by stablemate Caltsar in a Midway Class 1 Handicap (1500m) at Kembla Grange on June 3.

Llewellyn began riding only early last year, and broke through on subsequent city winner Elson Boy at Dubbo on March 8.

She rode 29 winners in the latter half of the 2023-24 season, and, prior to today’s Muswellbrook meeting, had added a further 53 to her career tally.

Those 53 successes have her sitting in second place behind Siena Grima (58) in the country apprentices’ premiership.

Llewellyn rides at 55kg, and can be contacted for rides through her manager Anthony Taylor (0413 335 233).

Llewellyn follows another former country apprentice William Stanley, who relocated from Orange last year to join Kris Lees at Newcastle initially also on loan, and has since had his indentures officially transferred.

Meanwhile, Doyle has accepted with promising filly Queen’s Rhapsody, who races in the Kurrinda Bloodstock colours, at both Newcastle tomorrow and Hawkesbury on Tuesday.

Queen’s Rhapsody, following four consecutive seconds in town, joined Doyle’s stable and won a Hawkesbury Maiden (1300m) on May 15, ridden by Stanley.

“Nathan withdrew the filly from Newcastle last Saturday because of the heavy track,” Dyson explained.

“His preference is to start her at home tomorrow in the Class 1 Handicap (1200m), and Ben Looker has been booked to ride her.

“However, we also accepted in a Midway Class 1 Handicap (1300m) at Hawkesbury on Tuesday as a precaution, but she drew the outside barrier (12).”

Doyle’s sole Rosehill Gardens representative tomorrow is The Extreme Cat (William Stanley), who resumes in the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1200m), with blinkers back on.

Churchill’s Choice, sixth in fellow Newcastle filly You Wahng’s Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm last Saturday, returned home a couple of days later and has gone for a spell.

Story John Curtis, June 13, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos