From a prickly start on a family farm to dominating Queensland’s racing scene, Angela Jones’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Imagine being thrown from a pony into a bush of prickles as a child—only to rise above it all and become a history-making jockey. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: her first horse was traded for a carton of beer, and she even brought an equine companion to boarding school. These early experiences laid the foundation for Jones’s groundbreaking rise to the top of Queensland’s jockey ranks.
Now 24, Jones reflects on her unconventional beginnings. 'I was practically born in the saddle,' she recalls. 'My dad would lead me around on a horse when I was just two years old. Riding felt as natural as breathing.' Growing up on a cattle and grain station near Clermont, a remote town in central Queensland, horses were always her destiny. Her first horse, a mischievous Welsh mountain pony named Starlight, was her constant companion—though she admits, 'Starlight knew every trick in the book, including where all the prickle bushes were.'
But this is the part most people miss: Jones’s path to success wasn’t just about talent; it was about resilience and determination. As the second youngest of five daughters, she was homeschooled by her mother, Julie, with a curriculum that prioritized outdoor learning. 'We’d finish our schoolwork quickly and spend the rest of the day helping Dad with cattle or mustering,' she explains. This hands-on upbringing instilled in her a work ethic that would later define her career.
At 15 or 16, Jones reluctantly left home for boarding school in Charters Towers—but not without her horse. 'I told my parents, 'I’m not going unless I can take a horse,' she says. Luckily, her mother found a school that allowed it. After completing her studies, Jones found her calling at the local sand racetrack, where she began honing her skills as a 'race' rider. Her big break came during her gap year, when she met former jockey Shane Scriven at an amateur race. 'I walked up to him and said, 'I want to be an apprentice jockey. Can you help me find a good trainer?''
And this is where it gets controversial: In an industry historically dominated by men, Jones’s rise challenges long-held norms. From the bush to the big city, she trained under leading horsemen like Lindsay Hatch and Tony Gollan, who recognized her natural talent. 'Angela has exceptional balance, and horses respond to her in a way that’s rare to see,' Gollan notes. Last season, she made history as the first female rider to win the Queensland metropolitan jockeys’ premiership—a feat that’s sparked both admiration and debate.
Jones is part of a growing wave of female jockeys reshaping the sport. 'Women are changing the face of racing in Queensland,' says Lachlan Murray, acting CEO of Racing Queensland. With 51 out of 64 apprentice jockeys being female, the shift is undeniable. Yet, Jones isn’t resting on her laurels. She’s now aiming for a Group 1 race win, the next milestone in her already remarkable career.
Here’s the thought-provoking question: As women like Jones continue to break barriers, is the racing industry ready to fully embrace this female revolution? Or are there still hurdles to overcome? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Jones’s journey from a cattle farm to the winner’s circle is a testament to hard work, passion, and the power of defying expectations. 'I’ll never forget where I came from,' she says. 'My upbringing is a big part of who I am today—and it’s what keeps me grounded as I ride toward even greater heights.'
