Another Treble for Te Akau Apprentice

Another hat-trick for Te Akau apprentice

Although trainer Jamie Richards never had horses suitable for Heavy11 footing on Sunday at Otaki, Te Akau apprentice Chelsea Burdan filled the void with another hat-trick of wins, having also registered the feat less than a month ago at Te Rapa.

While Collinstreet (Bachelor Duke) paying $3.70 and London Express (Shamexpress) $1.60 were both strongly favoured, Da Jin Shan (Brilliance) at $23.30 caused somewhat of an upset.

“It was a pretty good day, really, winning three out of five rides,” Burdan said. “The two for Allan Sharrock looked my best chances, but I thought Da Jin Shan might go close. He's a good horse on his day and the three-kilo claim helped big time. And the filly London Express showed a great turn of foot even though it was heavy.”

Only a year into the job, Burdan made a winning debut aboard Lady Zeraph (Makfi) in September last year, ended the season with 10 wins, and already has 11 to her credit since 1 August. 

She currently sits just outside the top 10, with fellow apprentices Ashvin Goindasamy and Kozzi Asano also flying along in second and third, respectively.

“I'm working hard, been going to the gym, and picking up some good rides,” Burdan said. “My schedule is pretty full with race days, trials, and riding work at Matamata, and the more race day rides I get the more confident I'm starting to feel. And just getting more experience.

“I feel I'm learning from my mistakes and I'm getting congratulations and a lot of support from the other riders, as well.”

Te Akau has been home to a number of apprentice jockeys, amongst others: Vinnie Colgan, Opie Bosson, Troy Harris, Daniel Stackhouse, Samantha Collett, Daniel Miller, and Shafiq Rusof.

“Te Akau has a great reputation and history with apprentice jockeys and consider it an important part of the racing industry to not only produce quality thoroughbreds but also to back its young people and develop skill sets in our staff and young riders,” said Te Akau principal David Ellis.

“We've had champion apprentices and given many of them, including Chelsea, their first winning rides. What she's achieved to have already landed two hat-tricks this season is quite incredible and I'm immensely proud of her. 

“She claims three-kilos which is a great asset, especially when our horses start getting up in the weights, and she's showing the benefits of how hard she's worked and her will to win.

“She's works as a stable-hand in our colt barn and on top of all her riding duties she also prepares retired thoroughbreds for re-homing. It's pretty good for someone that's only 19 years old and I think she's got a big future.”

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