Retired jockey named face of Toowoomba’s biggest race meet

A former jockey has opened up about her connection to Toowoomba and how she felt about being named the ambassador of the region’s biggest racing event.

Retired jockey Alex Patis will be viewing all the action of Toowoomba’s largest race event from a different angle this year after becoming the face of the well-known spectacle.

The 23-year-old was announced as the official ambassador of the 2023 Audi Centre Toowoomba Weetwood – an event which she previously raced in.

Referring to the role as a “dream” come true, Ms Patis said being selected as the face of the event was a privilege.

Alex Patis is the 2023 Face of Weetwood, with (back, from left) Audi Centre Toowoomba Weetwood naming rights sponsor David Russell, Toowoomba Turf Club chairman Jason Ward and CEO Lizzy King. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“It’s definitely been a dream to be an ambassador for a big race meeting and I’m just so grateful that I will now be able to cover both sides of it,” she said.

“(I rode) in the ‘Breakfast With the Stars’ (event) and on Weetwood Day, so I think it’s really exciting to do something different and be a part of Weetwood in a different way.”

A former apprentice of the region’s father and daughter training duo Tony and Maddy Sears, Ms Patis then went on to continue her career in Brisbane before retiring as a jockey completely.

Alex Patis is the 2023 Face of Weetwood. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Currently in the process of returning to Toowoomba, Ms Patis said her partner Les Tilley, who is a well known competitor in the racing scene, is working towards his goal of winning a premiership.

As part of the ambassador role, the face of Weetwood represents Clifford Park at several events including a corporate golf day, sportsman’s lunch and the race day.

Toowoomba Weetwood is on September 23 and tickets are now on sale.