Parris rides first winner
It didn’t take newly licensed apprentice jockey Alyssa Parris long to notch her first win, bringing it up in just her second professional ride aboard the Danny Frye-trained Miraqua (NZ) (Ocean Park) at Riccarton’s synthetic meeting on Wednesday.
“It was great to get that first win,” Parris said. “I knew I had two very nice rides, and Danny thinks a lot of the horse, so I was stoked to be out there and be riding.”
Parris wasn’t raised around horses, but her love for the animal led her to convince her parents to let her take riding lessons as a child, and she made a natural progression through pony club before finding her way into racing.
“There is no one in my family involved with horses, but I have always loved animals and horses,” she said. “I started at a riding school and did some lessons there, and then I progressed to getting my own pony. I did pony club and showjumping.
“I then started riding work for some friends who rehome off the trackers and give them a life after racing. I loved the thoroughbred breed from that.
“I then saw a job advertised by Lance and Christine (Robinson) on Facebook one day as a stable hand, and I went there and Lance asked if I wanted to ride trackwork, and it all went from there.”
Parris is a natural light weight, and it didn’t take long for her employers to broach the subject of Parris pursuing a career as a jockey.
“Lance and Christine mentioned it, and I didn’t think too deeply on it until I decided I didn’t want to study vet nursing anymore and thought I may as well give it a crack and see if I am any good,” she said.
Parris is just a few rides into her career, but she now knows she made the right decision.
“It is just so much fun,” she said. “Everyone involved - the owners and staff - it is just such a great feeling.”
Parris is apprenticed to Lance Robinson, a former jockey, and she said his mentorship has been invaluable.
“Lance is my biggest supporter, and he will always tells me what I could do better and sometimes he will let me know what I am doing right,” she quipped.
Parris rode briefly as an amateur jockey before beginning her apprenticeship, and she is glad she took that pathway.
“Riding in the amateurs was a great start to get out there and have no pressure,” she said.
“It was never mine or Lance’s plan to start me off in an amateur race, but it ended up being part of the pathway. I think it was a crucial thing to do, it gave me confidence that I could get out there and have fun on my first raceday.”
Parris, who has now had one win and one placing from four starts, is hoping to continue her winning momentum into the weekend where she will have three rides at Riccarton on Saturday.
“I have got Theonewekept (Wootton Bassett) (Christchurch Casino 31st SI Award – 11 September Maiden, 1200m) for Len and Lacy (Stewart), who have been huge supporters in my journey so far,” she said. “He is a nice horse and has had a couple of starts up north, and I think quite highly of him, he is a beautiful ride. Four kilos off should help him out.
“I am also riding La Bella Nera (Sweynesse) (Echoes Of Heaven At Clearview Park Open, 1000m), who ran a very good second last start with Hayley (Hassman) onboard. She seems to like a claimer.
“I will also ride Unleash The Beast (NZ) (Eminent) (Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Rating 75, 1800m) for Kenny Moore. He ran a good race at Oamaru last start. Over a bit more ground, with four kilos off, he should have every chance.”
A member of the Elite Jockey Programme, Parris is looking forward to pursuing her career in the saddle and is excited about what lies ahead this season.
“I just want to keep improving, make connections and keep loving the sport,” she said.
