Racing SA appoints Ruby Mayers as new apprentice academy talent manager

Racing SA has announced former jockey Ruby Mayers as its new Apprentice Academy Talent Manager.

Ruby Mayers has been appointed Racing SA's Apprentice Talent Manager. Picture: Racing SA

Racing SA has announced former jockey Ruby Mayers as its new apprentice academy talent manager.

Mayers will replace the outgoing Briony Moore, who has taken on a new role as apprentice and workforce development manager at Racing Queensland.

Mayers has spent the past three years working for the prominent Richard and Chantelle Jolly stable, and is excited for the new challenge.

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“I’m looking forward to stepping into this exciting and diverse role and strengthening my relationships with Racing SA, the apprentices and all industry participants,” Mayers said.

“I have played a key role for Richard and Chantelle Jolly managing a large portion of their accounts, communications, and social media. I found a real niche in this administration role, and when the position of apprentice academy talent manager came up it was an opportunity I just couldn’t let get away without throwing my hat in the ring.”

Mayers was an apprentice jockey to trainer John Macmillan, and rode in over 100 races during her time in the saddle between 2014-15.

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“Growing up and competing in various horse sports, it was a natural progression to pursue a career in the saddle,” she said.

“I had one of the best starts to my career in race riding but as a 17-year-old struggled with the pressure at times. I have remained in the industry and worked for a number of stables which has helped me get to where I am now.”

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Racing SA’s general manager of operations Nick Bawden said Mayers was the ideal fit for the role.

“As soon as we started talking to Ruby you could just see how passionate she is about the Academy, and was glowing when she spoke about her vision,” Bawden said.

“I think it’s going to be a seamless fit. Ruby has lived the life of an apprentice, knows the industry inside out and wants the apprentices to succeed and be the best person and riders that they can possibly be.

“She’s already been doing some mentoring work with Polly (Brewster) and is known as a really hard worker. Richard and Chantelle are understandably very disappointed to lose her but they know this is an opportunity she’ll be great at and will very much benefit the academy.”

Mayers will begin her new role on July 22, with Racing SA’s new Apprentice Academy Facility at Somerton Park set to be up and running early in the new racing season.

Originally published as Racing SA appoints Ruby Mayers as new apprentice academy talent manager