10 APPRENTICES RISING TO THE CHALLENGE greater rides, that’s important. They also get to ride for different trainers, and that all helps their development.” This year’s group has embraced the challenge, particularly through winter. “I think they’re doing a fantastic job. Winter gives them a chance to shine with their claim, because trainers use apprentices more on the softer tracks,” Gauci said. Much of that development traces back to how differently apprentices are prepared before their first ride. “I wish I had the same help when I was an apprentice!” Gauci said. “I think I had five jump-outs before I got my licence, and most apprentices now have probably had 150 before their first race ride. It’s a big difference, and it’s all about safety,” he said. He’s watched Pozman’s rise closely and points to her work ethic as the difference this season. “She’s a very hard worker, and she’s done a good job. One thing we all noticed as a team was that she really wanted it. She’ll go the extra yard. A lot of them do, but Emily was fully committed,” Gauci said. BACKING RACING'S NEXT CHAPTER The series carries the name of RMBL Investments, whose support is more than a straightforward sponsorship deal. RMBL’s chairman, Colin Madden, and his wife, Jannene, are part-owners of Black Caviar, the unbeaten mare who became one of Australian racing’s biggest stars – a syndicate the couple joined almost by accident, after a houseboat trip on the Murray with old friends turned into a shared racehorse purchase. That stake has translated into a long-running commitment to developing the sport’s next generation. The RMBL Investments Rising Stars Series Final is held on VRC Members Race Day, with Rose Hammond guiding the Luke Oliver-trained Lake Vostok to victory in last year's event. (Image: Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)
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