Queensland apprentice jockey Nikki Olzard eager for more success after moving to the Sunshine Coast

In less than a year, Queensland apprentice jockey Nikki Olzard has made a big impression in the country ranks as she highlights her aims for the coming months.

Rising apprentice jockey Nikki Olzard. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Rising Queensland apprentice jockey Nikki Olzard is beginning to carve out a name for herself in her short-lived racing career after some impressive performances across South-East Queensland.

The 18-year-old Rockhampton product made the decision to relocate to the Sunshine Coast at the beginning of 2024 and is now apprenticed to Jamie Bayliss in Caloundra.

Olzard underwent a year of guidance and teachings from former top provincial hoop Adrian Coome before she recorded 10 wins and 18 placings from her 46 starts in her first (2022-23) season.

“When I was in grade 10 I got a stablehand job with Adrian and from there I progressed to a trackwork rider and now an apprentice jockey,” she said.

“Things are going well so far, I feel like I needed to make the move down south to progress my career further but also to get out of my comfort zone.

“There’s more competition down here, better riders and a stronger opportunity so I have to work hard for my rides.”

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Olzard has recorded 29 wins and 40 placings from her 181 country starts this season.

She said although her main focus remained on losing her claim, she hoped to make a strong push for the Country Apprentice Jockey title over the coming months.

“I’ve got 11 more wins until I lose my 2kg claim and gain my provincial licence but I really want to push for the country apprentice title for the end of the season,” she said.

Olzard sits six wins behind the current leader Brooke Johnson.

She said she was proud of her efforts over the past few months and thanked those around her for their support.

“I do stick in my own lane but in saying that Mully and Adrian Coome who I worked with in Rockhampton were really good for me,” she said.

“They got me started and now it’s like Jake and Jamie Bayliss, who are both amazing, have continued that on.”

Jamie said Olzard was a star on the rise.

“She rode my first winner back at Nanango which was really cool,” he said.

“She’s going well, still has her country licence but once she gets her provincial licence everyone will know her name.”