SIMPSON’S WEEKEND TO SAVOUR

HAVE saddle, will travel!

It’s been quite a weekend for rookie Central Coast apprentice Bronte Simpson.

Indentured to Wyong trainer Sara Ryan, the 23-year-old rode her first double at the Walgett meeting yesterday, and followed up with a Coonamble winner today.

Simpson began riding only last month and achieved what every jockey dreams about.

She won a Benchmark 58 Handicap (1500m) on Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan’s Stylebender ($8.50) on a heavy Muswellbrook track on May 2.

Simpson’s two winners at Walgett included the 1400m Cup on Awesome Tycoon ($6) for Armidale trainer Jane Clement.

Earlier she won the opening race on Soho Coco ($4.20) for Dubbo trainer Michael Lunn.

Simpson teamed with another Wyong trainer Damien Lane at the Showcase meeting at Coonamble today to land the 2&3YO Handicap (1200m) with Sneaky Sofia ($3.20).

Lane returned to his native home, and took full advantage of Simpson’s 4kg allowance, lessening Sneaky Sofia’s weight to 57kg.

It was a smart move on Lane’s part as the three-year-old Merchant Navy filly was the only winner in the field; in fact she had won twice.

Simpson had Sneaky Sofia smartly away, took up the running passing the 1000m and rated her nicely in front.

She was too good for $2.05 favorite, Dubbo-trained Blue De Beers.

Simpson has now ridden four winners, along with five placings, from 26 rides.

Whilst it was good news for the young jockey, not so for Ryan as far as her Provincial-Midway Championships Final winner Matcha Latte is concerned.

Ryan withdrew the gelding from the Listed Wayne Wilson Handicap (1600m) at Eagle Farm ysterday, and today reported he has finished his current campaign.

“Unfortunately, Matcha Latte has had another setback and has to head to the paddock,” she said.

Matcha Latte’s career has been dogged by injury, and as a result he has raced only 17 times for three wins and seven placings.

Ryan, who is nearing the end of her successful tenure as Domeland’s private trainer, won her 20th race this season (and career 57th) when Kyeema was successful on the Kensington track last Wednesday.

. Leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees made it win no. 118 this season when hotpot Aged Care (Aaron Bullock) scored at Port Macquarie today.

Aged Care ($1.50), racing in the Le Romain colours, defeated $71 bolter Luck Aplenty in the Class 1 Handicap (1208m).

Story John Curtis, June 15, 2025 - Pics Muswellbrook Race Club