Celine Gaudray outrides metropolitan weight claim at Caulfield Health

Celine Gaudray’s latest win at Caulfield Heath on Thursday was a “bittersweet moment” for the rising star spprentice.

Celine Gaudray outrode her weight claim with victory aboard Over The Stars. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Rising star apprentice Celine Gaudray ticked off a significant milestone on Wednesday, outriding her metropolitan weight allowance.

Gaudray notched her 80th city winner with all-the-way victory aboard Over The Stars, trained by Henry Dwyer, in the 3YO Maiden Plate (1000m) at Caulfield Heath.

Gaudray rated the achievement “on par” with her Group 3 and Listed wins.

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“A bit of a bittersweet moment,” Gaudray said after her 197th career winner.

“I can’t complain with the apprenticeship I had, obviously lots of injuries and falls and what not, but it’s all a learning curve.”

Gaudray has ridden three city winners the past week to wipe her 1.5kg weight allowance – five months ahead of an April deadline but later than expected after a frustrating spring.

“I did think I would knock it off a bit earlier,” Gaudray said.

“I didn’t ride a (city) winner for like a good six to eight weeks.

“It’s good to pick up some momentum now.”

Over The Stars notches a track record & a maiden win 💪

Congratulations to Celine Gaudray who has now outridden her metropolitan claim ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/omQacad7my

— Racing.com (@Racing) November 20, 2024

Gaudray has another busy summer in store, determined to work hard and build connections to make the transition to senior rider.

“It’s good all the spring jockeys are going to head off over the summer time and hopefully I can pick up (a few more rides),” Gaudray said.

“I do believe I can do it (transition to senior), do the hard work and build the connections.”

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Dwyer praised Gaudray’s handling of Over The Stars and overall skill set.

“I just find Celine Gaudray is a lovely jockey for these types of (on speed) horses,” Dwyer said.

“She’s (Over The Stars) quite a revvy filly, got an awkward head carriage and Celine let her roll a bit without giving her too much rein, dictated and gave a good kick late.

“She’s one of the apprentices that can outride her claim and probably go on with it too, she’s a very good little rider and she knows her form, particularly on these sort of horses.”

Gaudray’s current 1.5kg claim will be removed after she fulfils metropolitan riding commitments on Friday and Saturday respectively at The Valley and Cranbourne.

Originally published as Celine Gaudray outrides metropolitan weight claim at Caulfield Health