Will it be a Lexus Melbourne Cup for Jamie Kah?

Her Group 1 Derby victory with Goldrush Guru was a particularly meaningful win for South Australian trainer Andrew Gluyas. Sixteen years after Clare Lindop became the first female jockey to win the Victoria Derby on the Leon Macdonald-trained Rebel Raider, Macdonald’s former training partner Gluyas combined with Kah to take the blue riband event. Reflecting on the moment, Kah shared, “It’s fantastic for Andrew and Leon. I used to ride so much when I was an apprentice for them and it’s amazing to pay the favour back on Derby Day.”

Earlier in the day she had also secured a heartfelt victory aboard Another Wil in the Group 2 The Damien Oliver, riding in the iconic colours of the McKenna family. The win came just days after the passing of Col McKenna, a cherished figure in racing and good friend of Kah’s, and her ride was a fitting tribute as friends and family shared emotional embraces in the mounting yard. “Col was a legend, a great mate,” said trainer Ciaron Maher. “I thought the horse would bounce back today.”

Kah’s focus now shifts to the Lexus Melbourne Cup, where she’ll ride Okita Soushi, a stayer trained by Maher. Originally trained by Ireland’s Joseph O’Brien, Okita Soushi finished 11th in last year’s Melbourne Cup and has since adapted to Australian racing under Maher’s care. Kah partnered with him in a gallop leading to his Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m) victory on October 25, following a strong runner-up finish in the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m). Kah, who initially planned to ride Point King in the Lexus Melbourne Cup before his late withdrawal, now eagerly takes up the reins on Okita Soushi, confident in his potential.

“I’m happy to be on Okita Soushi,” Kah said. “For a staying horse, he’s got a nice turn of foot and feels sharp. He’s taken time to acclimatise and is just hitting his stride – hopefully, there’s more to come on Cup Day.”

Jamie’s brilliant career, so far

Jamie Kah’s journey, characterised by a deep-seated love for horses and an unwavering dedication to her craft, has broken records and inspired a new generation of jockeys.

Kah’s equestrian roots run deep. Raised on a property outside Adelaide by Olympic speed skater parents, she was practically born in the saddle. Her early years were filled with showjumping competitions, even representing Australia at the Mounted Games in England in 2010. This foundation laid the groundwork for her seamless transition to horse racing at the age of 14, where she quickly made a name for herself under the tutelage of trainer John Macmillan.

A brief hiatus in 2015, spent working overseas and further honing her skills in showjumping and trackwork riding, only served to ignite her passion further. Upon returning to Australia, she was armed with a renewed focus and an even stronger work ethic. This dedication quickly translated into success, propelling her to the forefront of the Australian racing world.

In 2019, she achieved a lifelong dream by securing her first Group 1 victory aboard Harlem in the prestigious TAB Australian Cup at Flemington. This victory marked the beginning of an extraordinary winning streak, culminating in her historic achievement of becoming the first jockey to ride 100 Victorian metropolitan winners in a single season.

Beyond her remarkable riding skills, Kah possesses a genuine affinity for horses that shines through in everything she does. Her partnership with her mounts extends beyond the racetrack, exemplified by her commitment to rehoming retired racehorses, where she remains deeply engaged with their welfare. In her spare time the self-confessed “crazy horse girl” competes in showjumping with her horse, Rolex, with whom she dreams of one day representing Australia.

Kah’s groundbreaking achievements have not only rewritten record books but also inspired countless aspiring jockeys and riders, especially young girls. With her unwavering focus and natural talent, one thing is certain: Jamie Kah’s journey is far from over.