Queensland apprentice jockey Tahlia Fenlon eager for more success

Queensland apprentice Tahlia Fenlon has made a big impression in her metropolitan debut season after coming to the realisation she had to take the next step in her career.

Rising Queensland apprentice jockey Tahlia Fenlon. Picture: Racing Queensland

Queensland apprentice jockey Tahlia Fenlon has quickly doubled her metropolitan win tally after some impressive performances across South-East Queensland.

The 20-year-old landed her first Saturday victory at the Sunshine Coast on January 27 before adding to her tally at Eagle Farm last weekend.

Before relocating to Brisbane in May last year, Fenlon was a standout performer in Central Queensland, winning the Country Apprentice Jockeys Premiership for the 2021-22 season.

After learning the ropes under veteran Rockhampton trainer Fred Smith, Fenlon transitioned to Chris Munce’s Eagle Farm base on loan before making it a permanent move.

“It was a big change but a good change for me because I got my metropolitan license, my 3kg claim back and I’ve been getting a lot of support from my boss Chris Munce which has been good,” she said.

She's A Rogue absolutely dominates Race 2 at Eagle Farm! Tahlia Fenlon with the winning ride for @munceracing. pic.twitter.com/Z4owK7IVM9

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 3, 2024

“I definitely needed it, it’s hard to take the next step where I was so it’s been a good change and I’ve already learnt so much from the different people, trainers and jockeys.”

The lightweight hoop has recorded four wins and two placings from 25 metro starts this season as well as 11 wins and 33 placings at the provincial level.

Fenlon said she now had to re-evaluate her main aim after securing her first metropolitan victory and praised the people around her for their support.

“Chris (Munce) is really easy to get along with and is really helpful,” she said.

“He and his foreman Alan (Russell) go through the replays with me, check the speed maps pre-race and go over what my plan is not just for their horses but for all my rides so it’s definitely a big help having them in my corner.

Rising Queensland apprentice jockey Tahlia Fenlon. Picture: Racing Queensland

“All of the jockeys have been really helpful too but in the female jockeys room Sam Collett has been incredible.

“She rides a bit of work for Chris so I look up to her and it’s very cool to ride against her and the other top jockeys in town.”

Leading Queensland rider Sam Collett said Fenlon was a joy to watch.

“She’s a come a long way in my view, I saw her when she first turned up to work for Chris and she’s a very hard working young girl and has taken everything in her stride,” Collett said.

“I know Chris has a big opinion of her because she’s infectious in how she carries herself at work, how she approaches each day and she’s so open to learn and get better.

“Her riding has obviously improved out of sight, she was obviously a well-established rider up north but she’s got a lot stronger and is continuing to get a much clearer racing head on her shoulders.”