BRONTE SIMPSON – STRUCK “GOLD” ON DEBUT

IT very easily could have deterred many aspiring young jockeys, but not BRONTE SIMPSON.

The 23-year-old (she will turn 24 in September) never considered doing anything else other than riding racehorses.

So when she finally got the chance to show her wares at Muswellbrook on May 2, the Ballarat native struck “gold” of her own by bringing home Stylebender for Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan.

Making a winning debut of course is the dream of every jockey, but this one truly meant more than most.

That’s because Simpson suffered serious facial injuries, including a broken jaw, when kicked by a horse in December 2023.

“I was working at Limitless Lodge (a well-known pre-training, spelling and breaking in facility in the Yarramalong and Dooralong Valleys on the Central Coast) at the time,” Simpson said today.

“Without warning this young horse kicked out and got me in the face.

“I had to have surgery to have a plate inserted in my jaw.

“But there was no way I was going to quit.

“I love the industry and always wanted to become a jockey.”

Simpson was riding pre-trainers at Limitless Lodge, but longed for the day when she could get back to riding trackwork – and didn’t hesitate when the opportunity came to link with Wyong trainer Sara Ryan in February last year, and is most appreciative of her ongoing support.

Not that Simpson and the four-legged variety were total strangers.

“I was on a horse before I could walk,” she said. “We had five acres outside Ballarat and my older sister had a pony.

“I did eventing and got one of my better horses to the Melbourne International.

“There was no family background in racing, but I was attracted to it.

“At one stage I was going to be apprenticed to Ballarat trainer Archie Alexander, but my partner and myself decided to head north to warmer weather and spent some time in Queensland before coming back to New South Wales.”

Simpson says she rode in 70 trials before getting her “ticket” to ride in races from RacingNSW stewards, and went to Muswellbrook on May 2 with some optimism – and understandably some nerves as well - for victory in a Benchmark 58 Handicap (1500m) on a heavy track,

“I knew the distance was a bit short for Stylebender first-up, but had ridden him in two trials on the Beaumont track and at Wyong in April, and he was placed in both,” she said.

“When Lyle Chandler’s topweight (Mazita) was a scratching, I thought we were a chance, especially from the inside gate.

“It was such a thrill to win at my first ride, and particularly for Kristen, who has been so supportive.”

Simpson hasn’t stopped there, having now ridden seven winners and quickly reducing her country allowance from 4kg to 3kg.

 She has ridden at 13 country tracks to date, and also singled out Bendemeer trainer Jane Clement (for whom she has ridden three winners, including the Walgett Cup on Awesome Tycoon on June 14) for her terrific support.

Awesome Tycoon’s victory that day gave Simpson her first double, having scored earlier on Soho Coco for Dubbo trainer Michael Lunn.

Simpson currently is arranging her own bookings, and contacted Clement seeking a ride at the Tamworth meeting on May 31.

“Shannen Llewellyn (now apprenticed to Newcastle trainer Nathan Doyle) was with Jane at the time, and I asked if she might give me a ride if Shannen wasn’t riding for her in the Class 3 Handicap,” she explained.

“Shannen was booked for Craig Martin’s horse Lord Prospector, and Jane was happy to give me the ride on Prince Of Sepang.

“We didn’t win, but it was the start of a really good association.

“Jane does a lot for me and I’m very appreciative of her both her and Shannen’s support, also helping me going through rides and the form of horses, etc.

“I’m super excited for Jane’s four-year-old gelding Hefty Price to come back for his next preparation. I’ve ridden him four times for a win at Dubbo in a $50,000 Super Maiden and seconds at Tamworth (twice) and Narromine.”

Simpson’s next bookings are at Dubbo on Thursday (Winning Reign and I’m Scarlett) and, despite a brilliant beginning to her career, has kept her feet firmly on the ground.

“My goal naturally is to eventually be a city jockey,” she said.

“But I realise I have to get a good grounding in the country before progressing to the provincials.

“Riding in the city is still a fair way off, but I’ll be doing my very best to get there one day."

Story John Curtis, July 8, 2025