Shari Jamie, who learned to ride while growing up in Amberley, is four months into a four-year jockey apprenticeship at Riccarton Park racecourse in Christchurch and now dreams of one day riding in Australia's most famous race.
But riding race horses was not always on the horizon for the former Amberley Pony Club rider, who competed in two Springston Trophy South Island teams competitions and was selected in the Canterbury dressage team.
''I tried with the sport horses, but it wasn't going to work out because I didn't have the money behind me.''
But she still has her eventing horses back home in Amberley, if her fortunes change.
After attending Rangiora High School, where she completed an equine skills course through Community College North Canterbury, she set her sights set on breaking into the high-stakes world of thoroughbred racing.
''It's still quite male dominated, but there are a few female jockeys around now, especially up north.
''I suppose the previous female jockeys have made their mark and shown that it can be done by females as well.''
After a stint in the North Island, which included working as a groom for Northland eventer Samantha Felton, Ms Jamie (22) returned to riding racehorses in track work in Canterbury in 2016.
After completing a series of trial rides, she earned her first race-day ride on 5-year-old mare Fire Lily in June, and weighed in, in second place.
Ms Jamie said her highlight to date was riding the well-performed Boots 'N' All last month in his first race of the season, an open sprint, last month. They finished fourth.
''I was keeping the seat warm for the big-name jockey. I've been very lucky in how Lance has looked after me and put me on some nice horses.''
As an apprentice, 50% of her winnings go her trainer and the other 50% go into an apprentice fund held by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, which she can claim once she completes her apprenticeship.
-By David Hill
