SCONE jockey Eloise Drews is making a name for herself as a cups’ queen on bush racing’s Golden Triangle.

Last year, she became the first female claiming jockey in nearly 20 years to annex the Talmoi Cup-Talmoi Bracelet double at Garah.

Drews won the Helen Boland Memorial Bracelet on Sparks and the Warren and Ruth Hunter Memorial Cup on Hardyo, both trained at Armidale by former picnic jockey, Jane Clement.

The jockey joined Kristy Cumberland, who won the cup on Gyarran for Lance Brydges and bracelet on Esteban for Clement’s aunty, Lesley Jeffriess, in 2005.

Drews also won the Boolooroo Cup at Moree picnics two weeks ago on Awesome Tycoon for Clement, and jumps back on the gelding in the 1400m B&W Rural and Titan Ag Mallawa Cup today.

Awesome Tycoon raced on the pace at Moree before charging home in the straight to win handsomely.

The gelding rises three-and-a-half kilos for that win, and strikes a dirt track for the first time – but Drews is confident.

“Awesome Tycoon won the Boolooroo Cup at Moree last start pretty comfortably,” she said.

“He is up a solid few kilos in weight, which may be the big question mark, but if he can make a repeat run of his last start he’ll be there at the finish.”

Scone jockey Eloise Drews has a full book of six rides at Mallawa today, including likely favourite Awesome Tycoon in the Mallawa Cup.

Drews also reunites with Sparks in the 1000m RDO Equipment Mallawa Bracelet for Clement.

“I had a little bit of success on Sparks last season, winning the bracelet at Talmoi. He’s a speedy horse and always tries his best, and looks ready to run a super race at Mallawa,” Drews said.

Drews opens the meeting on Forty Four Cubits in the 1200m Australian Food and Fibre Class 3 Handicap for Muswellbrook trainer Krissie Simpkins, who also saddles topweight Narrative, with Arthur Pollock on board.

“Forty Four Cubits has drawn a little awkwardly, but his last two runs on the dirt have looked favourable and a low weight should see him run well,” Drews said.

“I’ve had some luck partnering Krissie’s horses in the past and I know she’ll have him ready.”

Drews rides Unbelievable Helsy in the 1400m Aircair Aviation Class B Handicap for Justin Drake, and blames herself for the filly’s last-start fourth at Moree picnics behind War Toy.

“She’s a neat filly that ran well last start, but wasn’t given a very good ride,” Drews grinned.

“But she’s up in trip and a tinker with her gear should see her run to her best.

“She’s been working well at home, and has given us every indication she should be in the placings.”

Drews rides Miss Madigan in the 1200m Nutrien Ag Solutions Maiden Plate, also for Drake.

“I get the opportunity to ride her every day, so I know her well,” Drews said.

“She has been looking for the step-up in trip but with recent rain and race meetings being moved about, she hasn’t been given that chance.

“But she’s such a trier. If she puts her best foot forward she’ll be hard to beat.”

Boolooroo Cup-winning trainer Jane Clement will leg Drews up on Arctic Panther in the Irritek Class 2 Handicap.

The four-year-old, an eye-catching fifth against strong TAB company at Glen Innes four weeks ago when ridden by Shannen Llewellyn, has drawn perfectly in gate two.

“This is my first sit on him,” Drews said.

“He’s big and tough and ran a super race last start, and wasn’t beaten all that far. The race at Mallawa looks to suit him well. He’s got a good barrier and will be finishing off late.

“I’m lucky to have Shannen helping me. She knows the horse inside and out, and is an amazing support,” Drews said.

After today’s Mallawa meeting, Drews will start fielding calls for Talmoi picnic races on June 21 and Wean picnic races on July 12.

“I’m definitely going to try my best and get rides for both meetings,” Drews said.

A special race-day bus will leave the Royal Hotel in Moree at 11am today and depart the racecourse at around 6pm.

There will be a barbeque picnic lunch, fully licensed bar, ATM on course and live music with SAX Appeal from 6pm.

Night function tickets for members and guests are available at Pitman Deakin on Balo Street in Moree.

Online race-day ticket options available here: Mallawa 2025 Race-Day Tix.

Major sponsors include B&W Rural, Kenway and Clark, Air Cair Aviation, Nutrien Ag Solutions, RDO Equipment, Titan Ag Crop Protection, Badengi Engineering, Irritek, Entegra Signature Structures, Australian Food & Fibre, Namoi Cotton, Girard Grader Hire, Wathagar Ginning Company, Boland Petroleum, MHVP Pty Ltd, LiuGong and McGregor Gourlay Agricultural Services.

Talmoi picnic races round out bush racing’s Golden Triangle on Saturday, June 21.

The six-race card features the 1400m Talmoi Cup, won last year by Hardyo, and the 1000m Talmoi Bracelet. Total Prize money is $38,000.

Mallawa Picnic Races

When: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Where: Mallawa racecourse

Time: From about 11am

Ticket options: Mallawa 2025 Race-Day Tix

Night function tickets: Pitman Deakin on Balo Street

After-party entertainment: SAX Appeal