Victorian apprentice jockey Tahlia Hope will embark on the experience of a lifetime when she heads to France next month to represent Australia, reports racing.com.
Hope has been chosen to compete in the Prix Longines Future Stars, an apprentice-only race supporting the Group 1 Prix Diane (French Oaks) on 14 June at Chantilly Racecourse.
“You never imagine that you’d get the chance to go overseas and represent Australia. I’ve actually had to stop and pinch myself to see if this was all really happening,” Hope said.
In being selected to represent Australia, Hope will compete against some of the most promising rising hoops in the world when she takes her place in the coveted race.
Hope will follow in the footsteps of fellow apprentices Patrick Moloney, Jessica Payne and Beau Mertens in recent years.
“At the start of my time at Racing Victoria I sat down with my father and grandfather to set out some goals and we thought that an international trip was one thing I’d love to achieve in my four years,” Hope said.
“I made sure I put my head down and worked hard to earn a trip like this, but not in a million years would I think that at 17 I’d get the opportunity to be riding in France.”
In addition to donning the green and gold in the Future Stars, Hope will learn from local Chantilly trainers in a track riding stint during the week leading up to the race.
RV chief executive Bernard Saundry wished Hope the best of luck ahead of the event.
“Tahlia’s selection represents another wonderful opportunity for one of our young athletes to hone her craft and chase a memorable win on the international stage,” Saundry said.
“The experience gained by previous Victorian representatives Beau Mertens, Jessica Payne and Patrick Moloney has been invaluable for their careers, and we are confident Tahlia will also take great benefit from this opportunity.
“I would like to extend Racing Victoria’s gratitude to France Galop and Longines for their generous invitation and on behalf of the industry wish Tahlia the best of luck.”