WA jockey Chloe Azzopardi excited about Flemington debut on Saturday

Western Australian jockey Chloe Azzopardi will realise her dream of riding at Flemington and its taken more than 2500km to get there.

Chloe Azzopardi after winning aboard Gateaux at Wangaratta. Picture: Racing Photos

Riding at Flemington on Saturday will be a dream come true for Western Australian jockey Chloe Azzopardi, who moved to Melbourne only five weeks ago.

Azzopardi made an inconspicuous east coast debut at Penshurst last month and has gone on to ride at Yarra Glen, Wangaratta (twice), Bairnsdale, Sandown, The Valley and Mornington since.

The eager-to-learn 24-year-old Sandgroper has five rides at Yarra Glen on Friday to tune up for the Leon and Troy Corstens-trained Yes Baby Yes at Flemington on Saturday.

Azzopardi has covered more than 2500km the past month, including individual round trips of 570km, 110km, 450km and 600km.

While the mileage excludes going to and from trackwork and other commitments, wide-eyed Azzopardi would crawl the 20km round trip from her suburban rental to Flemington on Saturday.

“I’m really, really excited about hitting the big smoke Flemington,” Azzopardi said.

“Obviously my ambition coming over here was to ride at Flemington, I didn't expect it so soon.

“It’s very exciting and I’m very grateful for Leon and Troy (Corstens) giving me the opportunity.

“It’s a bit surreal to be honest, coming over here I was willing to ride wherever, try and improve my riding and then to have this opportunity to ride at Flemington so soon it’s obviously a good sign.”

Azzopardi has ridden 148 career winners, including a Group 3 and Listed race in Perth.

The 24-year-old opened her Victorian account recently at Wangaratta with a winner for the Corstens stable.

“It’s one of my favourite parts (of this journey), I’m learning a lot just being here,” Azzopardi said.

“In Perth, anywhere after two hours we fly, (because) the next one (racetrack) is five or six (hours).

“Definitely getting the kilometres up on my car since it‘s been over here but it’s good, I’ve been able to see Melbourne a little bit, (from) behind the wheel anyway.

“Surprisingly it hasn’t been too bad, the furthest one was three hours and 45 minutes.

“Definitely can‘t complain when you’re going for five or six rides, it’s definitely worth it.”

Chloe Azzopardi riding Gateaux for Leon and Troy Corstens. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Azzopardi’s older brother Joe completed a Victorian riding stint early in his career and helped connect the 24-year-old with Corstens’ Malua Racing.

“I’ve always wanted to take riding elsewhere,” Azzopardi said.

“I wasn't sure where to go and I’m a big family person, I’d never been away from mum, dad and especially my brother, who is like my best mate.

“We’re pretty close and once I reached out to Leon and Troy and they said they’d be happy for me to come over that was pretty much set and sold for me.

“Working for Leon and Troy has been amazing, they’re lovely to ride for and the horses are great, and for them to be able to give the opportunities on the track too, I really appreciate it.”

Moving to Melbourne with her best friend, who got a job as a track riding job at Malua, has helped them stave off any homesickness.

“I think I’m going to be here for quite a long time,” Azzopardi said.

“Hopefully it all pays off, it’s been a bit of a change but I’m loving it and really enjoying Melbourne.

“It feels like home, I’m surprised I haven’t really got homesick much, but don’t tell my mum that or she’ll kill me.”

The only thing missing is a new nickname because the occasional “Smokin’ Chlo” — a play on her brother’s moniker of “Smokin’ Joe” — hasn’t quite hit the mark.

“I sometimes get Smokin’ Chlo but there hasn’t been one that’s stuck,” Azzopardi laughed.

“Maybe someone here can think of a (better) nickname.”

Over to you, Matt Hill.

Originally published as WA jockey Chloe Azzopardi excited about Flemington debut on Saturday