Jockey Tiffani Brooker is in career best form this season

Queensland jockey Tiffani Brooker is back in the winners’ circle after revealing her new approach to ‘off-track’ life following early career injuries and suspensions.

Former champion apprentice jockey Tiffani Brooker has found herself back in the winners’ circle after experiencing injuries and suspensions early on in her career.

After finishing her successful stint as an apprentice on the Sunshine Coast for trainer Stuart Kendrick, Brooker suffered a fall which led to her being sidelined for 10 months.

The injury couldn’t have come at a worst time for Brooker as the now 28-year-old said she was in talks to further advance her career overseas.

“It was very hard because it’s that time where everyone needs to take that next step to become a senior rider and with some of the wins I had to my name I was even in the running to head over to Singapore,” she said.

Jockey Tiffani Brooker has found career best form this season following early career injuries and suspensions. Picture: Patrick Woods

Soon after making her return to race riding in 2019 Brooker was disqualified for a further nine months after a urine test showed traces of a number of prohibited drugs.

“I had all that time off with my injury but I didn’t really take the time to rest so then when I came back I only rode for a few months before I was disqualified and spent even longer out,” she said.

“I lost my way a little bit there and went through different personal problems without going about things the right way.

“It was my biggest downfall and my biggest regret to have that disappointment on the track and to be outed for so long.”

Brooker said the ongoing support from family, friends and other industry professionals was massive.

“I do have really good support from family, friends and Rachel Mason is someone that has really stuck by me since day one, even when I probably didn’t deserve it,” Brooker said.

Jockey Tiffani Brooker wins aboard Pennino during the Sunshine Coast Cup Race Day. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

Fast forward two years and Brooker is riding in career best form, sitting in second place on the Sunshine Coast jockeys’ leaderboard this season.

With 19 wins and 23 placings to her name, she said her work off the track with a personal trainer, a strict diet and speaking with a psychologist have all contributed towards her success.

“I definitely do things differently now that I’m a bit older and a bit wiser too,” she said.

“I’ve gotten that support back from Stuart (Kendrick) where I think we have a really good understanding of each other and it’s proving quite successful at the moment.

“He holds me to a high level, which I respect, but he also puts a lot of trust in me which takes a fair amount of weight off my shoulders.”

Jockey Tiffani Brooker Brooker is riding in career best form sitting in second place on the Sunshine Coast jockeys’ leaderboard this season. Picture: Patrick Woods

Brooker, who is yet to ride a full season as a senior jockey, said her goal this year was simple.

“I feel as if I never got to establish myself as a senior rider so, although I really enjoy riding winners, I’m not out to break any records this season,” she said.

“The aim for me is about riding well, being as consistent as I can and getting through a full season.”