Rachel King’s jet-setting year continues with no signs of slowing, as she juggles commitments across Australia and beyond.
The pioneering rider made history in Japan earlier this year, becoming the first female jockey to win a Grade 1 race there, guiding Costa Nova to success in the February Stakes at Tokyo.
More recently, King has split her time between midweek meetings in Sydney and Saturday racing in Queensland, including a recent Listed victory aboard The Inflictor at Eagle Farm.
“I have been up there most weeks during the carnival,” King said.
“It has felt like a long carnival going up and down every week but I had a couple of winners throughout. It was mixed results this year but it can be like that.
“It was great to get one for Craig Cousins last Saturday as he only has one or two in work.”
This weekend at Rosehill, King has bookings in eight races, including two Godolphin runners trained by James Cummings.
Tarpaulin, who resumes in the 50 Year and Life Member Handicap (1100m), looks a strong chance. He returns off a good 2023 preparation where he placed in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes.
“For them to be aiming up in those kind of races last preparation shows that he showed them something at home,” King said.
“I always look forward to riding for the Godolphin team. He has taken a step down in grade a little bit to hopefully get a nice bit of confidence.”
King also takes the reins on Contemporary in the Listed Winter Stakes (1400m), a galloper who performs well at Rosehill and is ready to peak.
“It has been a while since I’ve ridden him and he has been mixing his form, but he ran really well a couple of runs back so if he can bounce back to that, he can run well again,” she said.
After this weekend, King will fly to Japan for another month of international riding before returning for the spring, eyeing top gallopers like Sydney Cup champion Arapaho.
“I go back to Japan in about two weeks for another month and I will be back before any of those good races start at the end of August,” she said.
“I am always happy for Arapaho to be back, especially after his super prep last prep. I can never go past him.”
For betting markets on the Winter Stakes and more, explore top-rated options at justhorseracing.com.au.
