Leading apprentice Rochelle Milnes unfazed by wide gate for Silent Surrent in Adelaide

Adelaide jockeys’ premiership leader Rochelle Milnes is excited and nervous as she seeks a breakthrough stakes win in the Adelaide Cup on Monday.

Top SA jockeys (from left) Teagan Voorham, Taylor Johnstone, and Rochelle Milnes, in their Adelaide Cup jockey silks. Picture: Dean Martin

Rochelle Milnes isn’t discouraged by her mount Silent Surrente drawing barrier 12 for Monday’s Adelaide Cup as she hunts the biggest win of her fledgling career.

The young gun leads the Adelaide jockeys’ premiership over her experienced rivals, but is chasing an elusive first stakes win after five placings at the level.

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Milnes, 23, has been beaten by a whisker on two occasions aboard Silent Surrente, both at Listed and Group level, and a win in the Adelaide’s prestigious two-mile would be a remarkable way to achieve her first major win.

“It probably wasn’t the best barrier, but it’s certainly not the worst,” Milnes said at Friday’s Adelaide Cup barrier draw at Morphettville.

“It gives us options, she rolls forward anyway, I’ve gone back before and she’s ran on well too, it didn’t really matter where we drew – I’m happy with 12.”

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Monday’s $350,000 Group 2 at Morphettville is a long way from Port Lincoln, where Milnes grew up competing in various equestrian sports, and while there’s a little nervous energy, she’s never been more determined to shine on the big stage.

“This will be the biggest race I’ve been in. I’m nervous to be honest, but in a good way,” she said.

“I’ve said it for awhile now, a Listed race is one of my goals to achieve.

“To get so close before, stepping up to a Group 3 (Lord Reims) and just losing by the smallest of margins – it’s very frustrating.”

Top SA jockeys (from left) Teagan Voorham, Taylor Johnstone, and Rochelle Milnes, in their Adelaide Cup jockey silks. Picture: Dean Martin

Despite having that competitive streak, being beaten by fellow female apprentices Taylor Johnstone and Alana Livesey recently at stakes level has had a silver lining.

“While you’re on track you want to win, but it’s really good to see the other girls achieve their goals,” she said.

“Even getting beaten by Taylor in the Lord Reims, you still give her a hug afterwards.

“It’s really good to see other people succeed, especially when we all work so close together and know the struggles.”

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Adelaide racing continues to produce talented female riders.

Monday’s Cup will see fellow hoops Kayla Crowther (Sentimental Flame), Teagan Voorham (Hasta La War) and Johnstone (Gotta Go Guru) join Milnes in a Cup field of 14.

“We all get along, considering we’re rivals,” she said.

“It’s not rare to see us go out together, we’re friends outside of racing too so I suppose it’s healthy competition in the best kind of way.”

Silent Surrente, trained by Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea, is an $8.50 hope with Sportsbet for Monday’s Adelaide Cup (3200m), and Milnes, who has ridden the mare on four occasions, is buoyed by her preparation.

“I galloped her this morning and she’s feeling incredibly well, you can’t really ask too much more of her,” Milnes said.

“You just don’t get chances like this as an apprentice, and to go in with a live chance is nerve wrecking – but I’m very privileged.

“If I did win it, I don’t even know if I’ve got a word to be able to describe it.”
Race favourite Taramansour, who will be ridden by gun local hoop Lachlan Neindorf, drew favourably with barrier three, while fellow local hope Gotta Go Guru also drew wide with barrier 13.

Fancied Ciaron Maher-trained pair Goldenstatewarrior and Promises Kept drew barriers eight and nine.

Originally published as Leading apprentice Rochelle Milnes unfazed by wide gate for Silent Surrent in Adelaide