Young apprentice jockey Holly Nottle experiencing incredible run after starting career just a month ago

West Australian

01-07-2025

The sultry climates of Carnarvon and Port Hedland are a long way from the farm where Holly Nottle grew up, but that's exactly where the promising apprentice jockey is making her mark.
On a property between Brookton and Corrigin, Nottle was riding horses from toddler age but until as recently as a few years ago, the 21-year-old had no connection with racing.
That psychological moment came only in the last few years when she began a casual employment with the famous Kersley family.
'About three years ago, I started trackwork, but I was really on and off with it,' Nottle told TABradio.
'I'd move to my parents' farm and work there and then come back up to Perth for a month and do a bit more trackwork.
'At the end of 2023, I thought that this is something that I really want to give a go.'
After satisfying officials with more than 40 trials, Nottle was offered her first race ride from boss Greg Kersley aboard Buckland at Pinjarra on May 28, reining the galloper into second place.
Three weeks later, she was rewarded with her first winner as the Kersley-trained Leetron led all the way and began a whirlwind run for the apprentice.
With a double at Port Hedland two days later and another brace at Carnarvon less than a week on, she even bagged a Northam winner in between for good measure.
Further success at Kalgoorlie on Sunday took her tally to seven victories from her last 24 rides, with only a weighting mishap reducing that number from eight.
'I didn't think this is how my career would start,' she said.
'It's been different. I definitely haven't had this much attention before, so I don't really know how to feel about it all.
'I actually really enjoy riding on the dirt. Port Hedland would be my favourite track because it goes to grass in the straight; I like that change.
'It was really hard at the start. I've noticed a few people that weren't answering my calls are now starting to answer.
'A few people ring and ask if I can ride, so that makes me feel good.
'I still think I've got a lot to learn, and I definitely think it's a challenge riding against the other jockeys that are really good and at a top level, but my confidence is definitely growing.'
Despite hailing from a family of farmers and fisherman, it should come as no surprise that Nottle has an aptitude for racing given her lifelong affinity with horses.
'I did a lot of gymkhanas and ag shows where you do a lot of jumping,' she said.
'In the last five years, I was competing in rodeos around WA. Barrel racing and steer decorating where you get a ribbon off the steer's back.
'If you're barrel racing, it's the thrill of going really fast and taking quick turns. It's the same with racing; going really fast and making quick decisions as you go.
With guidance from trailblazing senior hoops such as Holly Watson, Tash Faithfull and Lucy Fiore, even greater success seems assured for the burgeoning talent, who rides Tropical Sun ($26) at Northam on Wednesday.