In-form jockeys Cejay Graham and Nikita Beriman are eager to ride in a chopper again

Cejay Graham and Nikita Beriman enjoyed a “magical” ride to the Gold Coast on Saturday before tasting success in the feature races of the day.

Jockey Nikita Beriman loved her “magical” chopper ride from Brisbane to the Gold Coast last Saturday and wants to do it again. Picture: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography

After flying to the Gold Coast racetrack on Saturday on a “magical” helicopter ride, in-form jockeys Cejay Graham and Nikita Beriman are eager to do it again.

The Gold Coast Turf Club paid for two helicopters to transport a handful of jockeys and trainers from Brisbane to the Glitter Strip on a Super Saturday of racing in southeast Queensland following the damaging effects of ex-cyclone Alfred.

Graham had a well-deserved sleep-in on Sunday after a “whirlwind day,” riding a monster 12 rides for four wins across the two meetings totalling 21 races, including her victory in the $500,000 2YO Jewel on-board Grafterburners on the Gold Coast.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better day, it was unreal,” she said on Sunday.

“I’ve had a nice sleep-in but we’ll quickly get ready for the races today (on the Sunshine Coast) and do it all again.”

Grafterburners is a class above for @CejayGraham1pic.twitter.com/TMg83ArqAi

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 15, 2025

Beriman had 10 rides in two different cities, with her highlight being her all-the-way triumph in the $500,000 3YO Jewel with the Matt Hoysted-trained Hearts Are Better.

Hoysted and Beriman combined to win the same race last year with Party For Two.

Beriman caught the same helicopter as Kelly Schweida, who trains classy colt Grafterburners, from Brisbane to the rescheduled $2 million Jewel Day.

“It was a wonderful experience. I hadn’t flown to the races in a chopper before so that was exciting,” Beriman said.

“Look, I’d love to do it again. Even looking at the Gold Coast after Alfred’s been through and seeing the damage that was done, there’s still water everywhere.

“But full credit to the Gold Coast track because it’s in sensational order after having 600mm of rainfall on it.

“We were all in awe of the surroundings and the view. It was magical.”

Hearts Are Better leads all the way and wins for @hoystedracingpic.twitter.com/tv7w7zpjSk

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 15, 2025

Graham agreed it was a sensational experience, especially given she rode filly Philia to victory in a 3YO Handicap at Eagle Farm before jagging another three winners on the Gold Coast under lights.

“It was unbelievable. I didn’t think I’d ever get the opportunity to do something like that,” she said about her chopper ride.

“It definitely felt surreal and it was really great of the club to do that because if it didn’t, I wouldn’t have been able to fulfil my rides at Eagle Farm and on the Gold Coast.

“It was a great experience. I was taking lots of videos and sending them to family and friends.

“It was a very beautiful view up there and just a different way to get to the races in style.

“I’d definitely put my hand up to do it again.”

Jockeys are used to preparing for races in fast time after fulfilling their media commitments and weigh-ins but even Beriman felt rushed following her last race at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

“I was under pressure getting off my last ride, which was 1.58pm, and getting on the chopper at 2.02pm,” she said.

“Luckily I had the girls there to help me have my gear ready and packed so I could literally just take my colours off, jump in the chopper and go.

“I’m very appreciative of the (Gold Coast Turf) club putting the chopper on and getting us here because it gave us options.”

Originally published as In-form jockeys Cejay Graham and Nikita Beriman are eager to ride in a chopper again