WA's Rising Star Targets Historic Victory
Western Australia's young jockey sensation, Holly Watson, is on the verge of making racing history this Saturday at Ascot. The 26-year-old is set to pilot the veteran gelding Comfort Me in the $1.5 million Group 1 Railway Stakes, with a chance to become the first female jockey to ever win WA's premier thoroughbred race.
A Story of Near Misses and Emotional Goals
Watson's quest is fueled by a heartbreakingly close finish in last year's edition of the race, where she and Comfort Me were narrowly beaten into second place. The memory of that day still drives the flame-haired hoops. "I was even just so thrilled that I ran second last year that I nearly cried," Watson confessed. "If he could win, I think I’d just burst out in tears."
Her connection with the nine-year-old horse is palpable. She describes Comfort Me as an "absolute beauty" who "doesn't know he's nine years old." Watson is buoyed by their current form, stating this preparation is the best they've had together.
Overcoming the Odds at Ascot
The task ahead is monumental. The Rhys Radford-trained Comfort Me, listed as a $26 shot, faces a stunning statistical trend. This will be the gelding's fifth attempt at the Railway Stakes, having finished second on three previous occasions.
Watson is not the only female jockey seeking a slice of history. Lucy Fiore will ride Admiration Express, while Tash Faithfull takes the reins on Let's Galahvant. The race day is set for a huge turnout at Ascot, with a performance by world-renowned DJ Hot Dub Time Machine scheduled after the final race.
With more than 300 race victories already to her name, including a breakout 2023 season with five feature wins, a victory in the Railway Stakes would undoubtedly be the crowning achievement of Holly Watson's rapidly ascending career.
