Group 1 debut in Australasian Oaks worth the wait for clear-headed Caitlin Jones

Nine years after her first race — and after almost three years away from the saddle — jockey Caitlin Jones will make her Group 1 debut in the Australasian Oaks on Saturday.

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There were plenty of times talented jockey Caitlin Jones thought this day would never come.

Nine years after making her debut — and after almost three years away from the saddle when the endless jockey’s battle to maintain weight got the better of her — Jones will make her Group 1 debut when she rides in the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville on Saturday.

“If you said to me even just three weeks ago I would be getting an opportunity to ride in a Group 1, I don’t think I would have believed you,’’ Jones said.

“I haven’t been back long, I am very grateful and humbled for the opportunity.”

Jones — on the taller side for a jockey, and riding at 56kg in the Oaks — in February had her return ride from more than 2½ years away from the thrill of raceday.

Caitlin Jones will ride So We Are for Phillip Stokes in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks on Saturday. Picture: Tait Schmaal

On Saturday, she will partner $91 outsider So We Are for prominent SA trainer Phillip Stokes in the $600,000 Australasian Oaks, one of two Group 1 events on the opening day of Morphettville’s Adelaide Racing Carnival.

Before her hiatus she was one of Adelaide’s leading apprentices until the demands of jockey life pushed her to hang up the saddle, going out a winner back in June, 2016.

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“When I reached my heaviest, I wasn’t exactly motivated and I was getting to the point of accepting I wouldn’t ride again,’’ Jones said.

“But some things in my life changed and I did something about it.

“The light never really went out, there was always a glimmer. I never sold any of my race gear, I always felt there was unfinished business.”

Unlike many who would walk away from racing all together, Jones said continuing to work in the industry she loved — in roles including as a strapper and trackwork jockey — was ultimately what drove her back.

Caitlin Jones after a win at Oakbank in 2016. Picture: Mike Burton

“I continued to ride (track) work when I stopped race riding, I love horses and I love racing. It’s a tough sport but it has some brilliant attributes to it,” she said.

“Being a part of a winning team, strapping winners is great but being out there riding winners is the best feeling possible.”

Jones said with her weight well and truly under control she had found her happy place, which smoothed the path for comeback.

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“I’ve matured a lot,’’ Jones said. “In the way I present myself and how I handle myself.

“My riding was probably doing the talking previously, but I think I am approaching it differently.

“Mentally and physically, I’m in a really good place. I’m very healthy and not going through the same struggles I was before.

“My head is very clear and I think that’s a huge asset on the track.”

It is with great excitement I can announce I have re-signed my indentures to Richard and Chantelle Jolly. I’m very grateful for the opportunity they have given me Thank you to all that have continued to support and encourage me on my journey back to the saddle #backfromalongspell pic.twitter.com/bGYvmN2nT3

— Caitlin Jones (@cjones151290) February 6, 2019

Jones said she was pinching herself knowing she was getting a chance in a race that carried as much prestige in SA racing as the Oaks.

“I’m very happy back in the saddle,’’ she said.

“I am genuinely happy to be back race riding, let alone getting these sort of opportunities.

“You obviously set goals for yourself along the way, I certainly had that the first time around and again when I made the decision to come back.

“I always wanted to be considered good enough to get an opportunity to ride these good horses in this sort of company.”

Jones’ Group 1 shot aboard So We Are has come on the back of her willingness to work.

“It’s only recently I started to form a relationship with the Stokes stable and Tommy (Phillips’ son) said ‘if she can ride some work we’ll reward her with opportunities’,’’ she said.

“To have this opportunity is fantastic.

“I think she’s drawn perfectly in barrier five and she’s one of those horses who looks like she at her best when smothered up where she can use her turn of foot.”