Latest news with #premiership
The Australian
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Angela Jones creates Queensland racing history as first female to win metro jockeys' premiership
The overwhelming emotion running through Angela Jones was more relief than ecstasy after she created racing history at Doomben on Wednesday, becoming the first female to win the Brisbane metro jockeys' premiership. Jones went into the meeting on 66 victories, two ahead of her nearest rival Emily Lang (64), in a thrilling battle that went right down to the last metropolitan meeting of the 2024-25 season. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Neither jockey was able to register a victory on the day, meaning Jones maintained her narrow lead of two over Lang, who scored the consolation prize of emphatically securing the Brisbane apprentice jockeys' crown. 'I'm just relieved,' said Queensland country girl Jones, who grew up on a cattle property near Clermont and went to boarding school in Charters Towers. 'It's been a battle for the last couple of months but the last month it has gotten really close. 'It's hard to get excited because the most emotion you feel is just relief and I'm pretty happy that it's over and I'm glad I could come out on top. 'I think I'll be able to appreciate it more tomorrow.' Asked whether the gruelling battle for the premiership had left her drained, Jones said: 'Yeah somewhat. 'I think being so close between us two and being such good mates, makes it a little bit harder. 'You always want to hate your opponent but it's hard because we get on pretty well. 'It's mostly relief but I'll be pretty excited in the weeks to come.' Brisbane's premier trainer Tony Gollan is used to spraying his jockeys for bad rides but his hoops Jones and Lang turned the tables after the final race on Wednesday, showering their boss with champagne during an 'amazing moment for Ang'. 'I remember a couple of seasons ago when she was standing out there after winning the apprentices' title,' Gollan said about Jones. 'She always had the thirst and the hunger to win something like that. 'I guess at the start of the season she probably didn't think it was possible but that's what seasons are about, they go in ebbs and flows and things change. 'She's done an amazing job and it couldn't have gone to a more worthy winner.' Female jockey pioneer Linda Jones was watching the Brisbane races at her Caloundra home on Wednesday when she suddenly realised 'I need to be there' to see history created. 'I've always been a huge supporter of the girls (Lang and Jones),' said Jones, who was one of the first women to be granted a race licence in New Zealand in 1977. 'I just think it's fantastic. I was sitting there on the couch watching the races and I said to my husband Alan 'you know what, I'm going to go to the track because this is history'. Jones said at the start of the season, she never dreamed of being in this position. 'No, not at all. It's probably been a shock,' the 24-year-old said. 'I never really dreamed I'd be fighting it out for a premiership at this stage in my career and at the start of the year I definitely didn't really think I was a hope. Women's jockey pioneer Linda Jones paved the way for female hoops such as Emily Lang (left) and Angela Jones (right), who have dominated this season's Brisbane metro premiership, at Doomben on Wednesday. Picture: Trackside Photography 'I just wanted to improve on my last season but then with Jimmy Orman going away (to Hong Kong) I knew I was in with a chance then and it's been in the making for the last couple of months. 'I feel privileged (to be the first female to win a Brisbane jockeys' title). 'I got to be the one to do it but it wouldn't have happened without the lovely ladies beforehand who have done it really tough to pave the way and make ii easy for us today. 'We don't really have to prove ourselves - being female they look at us the same now, which is great.' 'It was always going to happen and I'm just lucky enough to be the first one.'
The Australian
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Manly, Roosters legend Johnny Mayes dead after battle with brain cancer
Former champion halfback Johnny Mayes – who won three straight premierships at two different clubs – has died. Mayes, 78, died on Wednesday after a battle with brain cancer. He won the 1973 grand final at Manly before capturing a further premierships with Jack Gibson's Eastern Suburbs in 1974 and '75. Johnny Mayes (ball) during Easts v Wests first at the SCG. Picture: Phil Marchant That achievement was later matched by Glenn Lazarus (Canberra and Brisbane) and Cooper Cronk (Melbourne and Sydney Roosters). Mayes scored a try in Roosters' famous 38-0 win in the '75 decider at the SCG. A 45-year resident of Evans Heads on the NSW north coast, Mayes played 110 games for Easts and 24 in his only season at the Sea Eagles. He scored 71 tries over 134 first grade matches and represented Australia in three Tests at the 1975 World Cup. Mitchell Peirce and John Mayes. Mayes, Roosters' number 586, also represented City Seconds in 1973 and 1975. The Roosters paid tribute to Mayes on the club's social media platforms. 'A true legend of the game,' the post read. 'Three-time premiership winner and a key piece in our back-to-back '74 ∧'75 premierships. Rest in peace, Johnny, Forever in our hearts.'
The Australian
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Angela Jones, Emily Lang showdown for Brisbane jockeys' title
As Angela Jones and Emily Lang prepare to go head to head at Doomben on Wednesday for a special slice of racing history, they have revealed the sisterhood in the Brisbane jockeys' room which is spurring them to big things. Never has a female jockey won the Brisbane jockeys' premiership but history will be made at Doomben's midweek meeting as apprentice Lang (64 wins) tries to pull a rabbit out of a hat and chase down frontrunner Jones (66 wins). Both ladies have posed in a picture for The Courier-Mail and Racenet, donning boxing gloves and pretending to whack each other, but this is a rivalry which is based on genuine friendship. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'The other (jockey) girls have become just like family because I am sitting in the jockeys' room with them at least a couple of times a week with no phone and all I really do is chat to the other girls,' Jones said. 'Obviously I have had so much to do with Emily, because she works with Tony Gollan like I do. 'There is not really a day that goes by that I don't see her. 'We get very involved in each other's lives and we have always got on very well.' • Jones cops suspension but still on track to claim title The close friendship between the two riding rivals was also on show when this journalist inadvertently called Emily Lang 'Emily Jones' in a recent story. We texted Emily to apologise. 'Haha, that's okay, we often get mixed up,' Lang replied. While Jones is the hot favourite to claim the jockeys' premiership on the final day of the metropolitan riding season, there have been periods in which Lang has held the lead and looked tough to chase down. Both jockeys have also copped riding suspensions in recent times, adding another dimension to the mix. Angela Jones and Emily Lang will face off on Wednesday for the Brisbane jockeys premiership. Picture: Grant Peters / Trackside Photography • 'Monumental for racing': PVL in talks for global racing channel Lang, who was raised in Rockhampton, says the two great mates have steered clear of winding each other up as the race for the jockeys' premiership has intensified in recent months. 'We haven't really been sending each other texts or stirring each other up, because there has been a lot of pressure,' Lang said. 'It's been quite tricky because you always want your friends to do well, but at the same time we are both extremely competitive. 'When I was suspended I was swinging off Ange's tail and when Ange was suspended she was probably swinging off mine. 'It's been up and down, but what will be will be.' • Beriman's appeal for concussion protocols to be strengthened Horse racing is one of the few sports where men and women compete on an even footing. Jones and Lang are at the forefront of the fabulously talented crop of young female riders around Australia, but they know they wouldn't be where they are without the trailblazing feats of other female jockeys who came before them. 'I think this (a female jockey winning the Brisbane riding premiership) has been coming for a while now,' Jones said. 'I think for the last ten years the female jockeys room has been pretty strong. 'Emily and I are probably lucky that we have had a lot of females before us pave the way and make it so much easier for us.' Emily Lang (right) is looking for a knockout blow on jockeys premiership leader Angela Jones at Doomben on Wednesday. Picture: Grant Peters / Trackside Photography • 'This isn't a novelty': Female hoops set up for success While Lang needs everything to go right to win a last-gasp premiership bid, she is already looking to the future. She is putting the building blocks in place to ensure she can make a successful transition when making the sometimes difficult step from apprentice jockey to senior rider. Great mate Jones will be there to help her along the way. 'I think for me, when I become a senior rider, it's about keeping doing the good things that I have been doing while I've been an apprentice,' Lang said. 'To be honest, some of the horses that I have been riding recently for Tony would probably still win if they didn't have a kilo and a half (her apprentice claim) off their backs. 'For me, I think it's just about staying consistent and keeping working as hard and I think the results will come.' • Harley hopes Cool Archie is his ticket to Group 1 stardom While either Jones or Lang will be crowned Brisbane's champion rider at Doomben on Wednesday, the major celebration will come at the Teddy Bear's Picnic Family race day at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Racing officials are flying the families of both jockeys to Brisbane for the day for a celebration lunch at the races and a formal presentation.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘The game owed me nothing, but it gave me everything': Premiership hero Chad Townsend announces his NRL retirement
Veteran halfback Chad Townsend has announced he will retire from professional rugby league at the end of the season, with his lasting legacy to be the man who helped the Sharks end their premiership drought in 2016. Townsend made his debut with Cronulla in 2011 and returned there in 2016 after a couple of years with the Warriors. He played three seasons with the Cowboys via another stint with the Warriors before he joined the Roosters this year. Townsend has played 268 games and represented City Origin twice, with the 34-year-old to call it quits at the end of the season having played six games for his new club. 'It's hard to put into words what this game means to me,' Townsend said, with Daly Cherry-Evans expected to take his spot on the roster next year. 'I'd like to thank the Yarrawarrah Tigers for giving me an opportunity to fall in love with this game. The memories and friendships I created at my junior club still live with me today and I am very grateful for that. 'To the teams I played for, the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, New Zealand Warriors, North Queensland Cowboys and Sydney Roosters, I am forever grateful for the opportunity you gave me to fulfil my dreams of playing in the NRL. 'I'd like to thank all the fans who have showed love and support to me throughout my journey. I have always enjoyed connecting with people through our shared love of rugby league. 'To all my teammates over the years, thank you for being there for me throughout the highs and lows that is the rollercoaster of the NRL. We shared some incredible memories together and this will be the thing I miss the most. 'To my coaches, football staff and club staff, thank you for all your support throughout my career. I have been lucky to work with some incredible people and build some great relationships. 'To my beautiful wife Marissa and our kids Myra, Cairo, Miami and Malibu, thank you for your unwavering support throughout my career. You have been there through it all, on and off the field. Every win, every loss, we did it together. 'When I think about the young kid from Yarrawarrah who was footy obsessed, who just wanted to play footy with his mates, who stood on the family hill waving his flag, who had dreams of making it to the NRL and who had to earn everything he got, my heart and soul are filled with love and gratitude. 'The game owed me nothing, but it gave me everything.' Roosters coach Trent Robinson praised the 'footy nerd' when he recalled him a couple of weeks ago to play against the Sharks and thanked the retiring halfback for the leadership and guidance he's provided the club's emerging stars like Hugo Savala, who has excelled in the halves. 'Chad's NRL journey speaks volumes about his character, professionalism and passion for rugby league,' Robinson said. 'His premiership-winning career is matched by the respect he has earned from his teammates and coaches for his work ethic, leadership and integrity, both on and off the field. 'Although we have only had one season together, Chad's love for the game and approach to the sport have really stood out. 'As a member of our playing leadership group, he has also been generous with his time, helping to guide and support the younger players in our squad. 'On behalf of everyone at the Sydney Roosters, we congratulate Chad, and we wish him, his wife Marissa and their children Myra, Cairo, Miami and Malibu all the best for the next chapter that will begin later this year.'
The Australian
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Angela Jones suspended at Doomben but still in box seat to claim Brisbane jockeys' premiership
Angela Jones copped a 13-day suspension and a severe reprimand from stewards on a dramatic Saturday at a wet Doomben but she's still in prime position to take out the Brisbane metro jockeys' premiership. Jones extended her lead to two victories over apprentice Emily Lang (64 wins) in the premiership race before a lightning storm brought a delay to proceedings after four races. At that stage Jones had already steered home a winner, gelding Space Age in a Benchmark 85 over 1615m, to inch closer to becoming the first woman to secure a Brisbane metro jockeys' crown. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet IQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! However, it wasn't all plain sailing for Jones, who copped a pair of riding suspensions and a severe reprimand from stewards from incidents in the opening race. Jones drew the ire of stewards for her ride on Tony Gollan's $2.20 favourite Boomshanka, being charged twice for careless riding. But her 13-day suspension won't impact her prospects of scoring the riding premiership, given she has deferred the ban to start after next Saturday's Eagle Farm meeting, which forms part of the new racing season from August 1. Chief steward Josh Adams told Jones: 'We don't want to sour what should be an exciting time for you. 'But out of one race, we have suspended you twice and also reprimanded you.' Lang and Jones playfully donned boxing gloves for a photo shoot during the storm delay, but the gloves will be off when the premiership title goes on the line at Doomben on Wednesday. It will be a fitting end to a thrilling battle between the close mates, who both work for Brisbane's top trainer Gollan. Whoever wins the premiership, Lang said she will always be indebted to Jones for being a shoulder to lean on in the early days of her apprenticeship. 'I looked up to Ange for a long time, she was already race riding before I had even started riding trials,' Lang said. 'She went through the grades really quickly and I looked at her and I thought that's what I aspire to be. 'Ange put the writing on the wall in her first year in town as an apprentice and, as a female jockey myself, I really looked up to her.' Angela Jones with Emily Lang at Doomben on Saturday. Picture: Trackside Photography. Racing Queensland officials opted to reschedule the final race on the card, a 3YO Handicap over 1350m, to Wednesday at Doomben, as the light faded and the track deteriorated to a Heavy 9. In that postponed race, Jones was booked to ride Estrondo for trainer Rob Heathcote and Lang was due to pilot Fireforce for Kelly Schweida. Lang was denied a chance to narrow the gap in race seven when her ride Set To Shine was a late scratching at the barriers, with Jones finishing runner-up on Castillian ($3.40) to roughie Super Duck ($21).
