Apprentice jockey Jacob Opperman was a big winner at the 2021/22 Limestone Coast Racing Awards taking out the Apprentice Jockey of the Year award for the second time in as many years.
The awards are a celebration of the racing year for the clubs within the Limestone Coast. All awards were voted on based on performances at race meetings across the, Bordertown, Millicent, Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, and Penola racing clubs.
The event was hosted by the Naracoorte Racing Club in front of over 60 people gathered with local MC legend, Kevin ‘KD’ Douglas ensuring the proceedings flowed along throughout the afternoon.
Guests on the day included Clare Scriven MLC Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Development representing the Racing Minister Katrine Hildyard, Nick McBride MP for MacKillop, and Nick Redin, CEO of Racing SA.
Limestone Coast Racing President, Justin Kain was happy with the day and past 12-months.
"It was an afternoon enjoyed by all with old and new friends in the racing fraternity mixing tales of the season past and what may come of the new one upon us," Kain said.
Having an amazing season herself, Caitlin Jones was a guest speaker for the day.
Caitlin provided some insight to the journey of being a modern jockey and the thrill of a work trip to Dubai with the Will Clarken stable, which saw her travel to Saudi Arabia on little notice, and taking out the International Jockeys Challenge in early 2022.
Limestone Coast Racing was pleased to announce the induction of their newest life member, with Peter Ludwig (a life member himself) presenting Naracoorte stalwart, Bruce Jaensch with his life membership at the Awards too.
THE WINNERS
Leading Trainer: Darryl Dodson
Restricted Trainer: Trevor White
Leading Jockey: Kayla Crowther
Leading Apprentice: Jacob Opperman
Horse of the Year for performances in the Limestone Coast: Clever Man - Trained by Trevor White
Horse of the Year from the Limestone Coast Performing anywhere: Hasta La War - Trained by Sue Murphy
Watch Sue talk about her career path in to training and what she thinks of Hasta La War below...