Queensland apprentice jockey Cejay Graham eager for new season

A dedicated apprentice jockey has well and truly hit the ground running following her move to Queensland as she reveals her plans for the upcoming season.

Jockey Cejay Graham rides Man Of Peace to victory in race 5, the Ranvet Handicap, during Metro Races at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Saturday, January 11, 2020. (AAP Image/Simon Bullard) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Apprentice jockey Cejay Graham is only one month into her Queensland transition but has already won over many fans with recent wins at Doomben, Ipswich and Eagle Farm.

After months of travelling almost six hours from Port Macquarie to Brisbane on race days and to ride trackwork, the 24-year-old made the move at the beginning of July to work under premier trainer Kelly Schweida.

Graham, who is the daughter of former jockey and current NSW trainer Peter, said she was thankful for the opportunity.

“It's five and a half hours each way from home to get to Brisbane and further to Caloundra so it was a trek and looking back now I think how did I do that but when you want something so bad you tell yourself it’s fine and you make it work,” she said.

“I had a lot of ties back home so I needed the move to be guaranteed for it to be worthwhile and each time I got in the car to travel home I was hoping someone was going to offer me something.

“I kept working hard and Kelly approached me at the Sunshine Coast races one day to ask if I wanted to be an apprentice for him so I had to work out if he was being serious or not but I’ve jumped at the opportunity ever since.”

Cejay Graham on Accountability at Rosehill in November 2020. Picture: Mark Evans

Since her first race ride in 2017, Graham has suffered a broken back and two broken wrists but said she was proud of her recent performances.

“I’m really enjoying the racing, the lifestyle, the mentorship and advice from Kelly and the overall support from the Queensland trainers,” she said.

“I’m definitely my own worst critic and I know I’ve still got a lot to learn but getting those winners home is a big confidence booster and I can’t believe the position that I’m in.”

Apprentice jockey Cejay Graham rides Vodka Martini to victory for trainer Kelly Schweida at Doomben. Picture: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography

Graham was able to cap off a riding double at Doomben on July 22 aboard Kitri for Michael Nolan and exciting sprinter Vodka Martini for Kelly Schweida.

She said her goal for the upcoming 2023/24 season was simple.

“To be honest if I could just ride a whole season I’d be very happy,” Graham said.

“I haven't done that in a while with my stop, start career so if I can keep my momentum up and see where it takes me that would be great.”