TWO years ago this month, Izzy Neale was riding at Mallawa and Talmoi picnic races as an amateur jockey.

Today at Moree, as a claiming apprentice in the professional ranks, Neale has three rides for her boss, Dubbo trainer Brett Robb.

Neale rode her first winner at her first ride in a race at Condobolin picnics in February, 2024 – Scruff’s Magic for Dan Stanley – and has since ridden 59 winners across New South Wales, 16 of those on the New South Wales picnic circuit.

“The transition from the picnics to the professionals has obviously come with its challenges, but with the support of my regular trainers it has been a great experience,” Neale said.

“I’ve been very lucky with the opportunities I’ve been given from trainers and connections I’ve ridden for since I started.”

Izzy Neale at Moree races last year, bringing Super Sioux back to scale after winning impressively.

At Moree today, Neale rides Cool Nanczye in the 950m My Moree Maiden Plate and Miss Karis in the 950m David Marshall Plumbing BM-58 Handicap for boss Brett Robb.

Charlie Magic will back up after finishing unplaced at Warren yesterday.

“Cool Nanczye is first-up without a trial, and the 950m will be a tad short of her preferred distance,” Neale said.

“She’ll take good improvement from the run, and has handled wet conditions in the past.

“Miss Karis relishes the wet conditions but will also have to overcome a wide draw.

“She’s also first-up without a trial, but will take good improvement from the run. I’m looking forward to seeing her back this prep,” Neale said.

“Charlie Magic has been running very consistently this prep and is another one that can handle the wet conditions.

“We’ve drawn a sticky gate (12) so we’ll have to overcome that. With a bit of luck I think he can run well,” she said.

The 21-year-old apprentice, born and raised at Merriwa, started her career riding trackwork in Muswellbrook with Pat Farrell and later transferred to Scone trainer Rod Northam.

“I stayed for two years and thoroughly enjoyed my time there,” Neale said.

“I then moved to Sydney to John Thompson for a little change in lifestyle. I was there for one year and that’s when I began riding on the picnic circuit.

“Moving to Sydney was a great experience. John was a great boss and I believe it has really helped me further my skills. I rode at the picnics for about a year.

“After I lost a bit of weight, I was looking to start riding professionally. I rode for my current boss, Brett, at the picnics quite frequently so the move to him was quite seamless.

“I’ve been very lucky with all of my bosses. They’ve been great mentors and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and guidance,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mallawa Picnic Race Club yesterday received 46 nominations for round two of bush racing’s Golden Triangle on Saturday, with entries extended on five of the six races until 11am today.

The 1400m Mallawa Cup, worth $12,000, has eight nominations, including last year’s runner-up, Blackhill Kitty from the Connie Greig stable.

Greig has also nominated 10-year-old Hemsted, winner of the 2022 Picnic Championships Final at Dubbo, and recent Quambone Picnic Cup winner I’m Scarlett.

The 1000m Mallawa Bracelet, worth $10,000, has drawn nine nominations, including impressive Moree Bracelet winner Connewarre from Wayne Oakenfull’s Inverell yard.

Weights for Mallawa will be announced later today, with acceptances finalised at 9am on Thursday.

Bush Racing’s Golden Triangle

Mallawa: Saturday, June 6. Updates at Mallawa Facebook Page

Online tickets for Mallawa: Mallawa Picnic Races TIX

Talmoi: Saturday, June 20. Updates at Talmoi Facebook Page

Online tickets for Talmoi: Talmoi Picnic Races TIX